Five Audacious Strategies to Foster Unity in a Divided Societal Landscape
It's no secret that political tensions seem to be at an all-time high. According to the Listen First Project, in the U.S.:
- 87% of people are sick and tired of political division.
- An astonishing 87% view political polarization as a threat to America.
- An exhausting 86% of Americans report feeling drained by the division in their own country.
It might feel tempting to ignore these tensions and surround yourself with like-minded individuals. But Juliana Tafur, director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center's Bridging Differences program, warns against this.
"Americans are tired of the political divisiveness. Three out of four Americans see polarization as a serious problem and want to live in a less polarized country. This division is damaging our relationships and affecting our personal well-being," Tafur says.
Human beings are social creatures by nature. Our ancient past was filled with collaborating to overcome challenges and obstacles. We're interdependent, and we need each other to get things done.
The Bridging Differences program at UC Berkeley focuses on bridging these differences. John A. Powell, one of the founders of the bridging concept, defines it as "the willingness to stay open and to recognize the humanity of all people. The attitude we bring to bridging is more crucial than any specific steps we might learn on how to bridge."
Bridging is more about walking towards others than expecting them to come to you. The goal, according to Tafur, is "to see each other's humanity and, when possible, recognize shared identities and common goals for more positive, harmonious interactions."
The Greater Good Science Center offers scientifically-backed resources to help you bridge these divides. Tafur suggests starting with clear-headedness, seeking out connection opportunities, and focusing on shared identities. Lean into curiosity and listen actively, seeking to understand rather than to persuade. And start small, with short bridges before tackling bigger challenges.
To help clarify your mind, Tafur suggests self-distancing: thinking about yourself in the third person, or even talking to yourself as if you were someone else. This can help you regain composure in difficult situations, and gradually reduce your triggers.
Seek out opportunities to connect with others in your everyday life, not just in formal settings. Community events, school board meetings, and neighborhood get-togethers can be great opportunities to bridge the gap.
By finding shared identities, you can transform interactions. Remember that differences don't have to be threatening. In fact, research shows that diverse teams tend to be more innovative.
Bridging doesn't mean abandoning your beliefs or identity. Instead, come from a place of curiosity with a willingness to learn. This shifts the focus from assumptions and judgments to discovery and connection.
Set manageable goals for bridging. Don't aim for world peace right away. Instead, take small steps. Babysteps can lead to bigger steps over time.
The Greater Good Science Center offers a 7-Day Campaign for Connection Challenge for those looking to practice bridging. And for those looking to be even more inclusive allies, the organization's In The Know community is worth checking out.
In a polarized world, it's easy to feel like there's no hope. But by following Tafur's advice, and engaging with the Bridging Differences program, you can make a difference. As she puts it, "When we bridge, we not only change the world, we change ourselves."
- Juliana Tafur emphasizes the need for bridging political differences, as 87% of Americans view polarization as a threat.
- Tafur highlights that bridging is about recognizing the humanity of all people and seeking shared identities for harmonious interactions.
- The Greater Good Science Center provides resources to help individuals bridge political divides, suggestingclear-headedness, connection opportunities, and focusing on shared identities.
- Bridging doesn't mean abandoning beliefs or identity, but instead coming from a place of curiosity with a willingness to learn.
- In a polarized world, community events, school board meetings, and neighborhood get-togethers can be great opportunities to bridge the gap and find shared identities.
- Diverse teams tend to be more innovative due to differences, and bridging doesn't have to be threatening, but rather a chance to discover commonalties.
- The Greater Good Science Center's 7-Day Campaign for Connection Challenge and In The Know community support those looking to practice bridging and be inclusive allies.
