Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide

What can be done to lessen political polarization in the U.S.? A few nonprofit organizations are trying to amplify their methods to tone down the temperature

Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Share
Early voting for the Rhode Island state primary begins on Aug. 21.
The vast majority of people in the U.S. are concerned about the current state of polarization in the nation.
rawpixel.com / Felix
Three Strategies to Help Americans Bridge the Deepening Partisan Divide
Copy

Is it possible to bridge America’s stark political divisions?

In the wake of a presidential election that many feared could tear the U.S. apart, this question is on many people’s minds.

A record-high 80% of Americans believe the U.S. is greatly divided on “the most important values”. Ahead of the election, a similar percentage of Americans said they feared violence and threats to democracy. Almost half the country believes people on the other side of the political divide are “downright evil.”

Some say that the vitriolic rhetoric of political leaders and social media influencers is partly to blame for the country’s state of toxic polarization. Others cite social media platforms that amplify misinformation and polarization.

There is, however, reason for hope.

Read the full article on The Conversation.

McKenna Goldberg, 75, served nearly 30 years on the state’s top court
From bedazzled books to captivating hearts, The Little Bubblegum Bookshop is marketing to readers’ true desires
With schools closed across the region next week, here’s a roundup of family-friendly events to keep kids curious — and parents sane — all week long
Artist Heidi Whitman channels Moby-Dick to explore vengeance, gun violence and modern American unrest
The school committee ordered an investigation after four students were arrested late last year
The newly elected party chair outlines his strategy for expanding state GOP ranks and weighs in on energy costs, immigration enforcement and election integrity