In prior posts I have lamented that America is deeply divided, exploring in particular how the media has exacerbated the problem.  I have concluded that our current situation is a “no win” not only for the country, but also for Republicans, Democrats, and citizens in general.  I promised to explore what we need to do to break out of this impossible situation.  And that is what I’ll address in this post. 

At the outset, let me summarize why the problem we face is so intractable, and why the range of options is so limited.  First, our political parties and most politicians have long been invested in the politics of division.  More often than not, elections are won by demonizing the other side and/or candidate (e.g., failed policies, lies and deceit, refusal to compromise).  Our political parties have little or no motivation to talk about how thoughtful, trustful, and wonderful the other party is; nor do opposing candidates for office have any such motivation.  Consequently, unless something forces political parties and politicians to change, we can expect the politics of division to persist.

Second, many of our media outlets are also directly or indirectly invested in the politics of division.  Whether it be Fox News, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, the NY Times, the Washington Post, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Facebook, or any other source, all are in business to make money.  Reporting on angry disputes, partisan rants, and discord sells; but the everyday actions of government and politicians do not. The media outlets also relentlessly research their audiences, and they want to retain and grow these audiences.  Fox News has become very profitable in attracting conservative viewers; while MSNBC is profitable because it attracts liberal viewers. The most watched shows on Fox News and MSNBC are short on actual news and long on divisive commentary and opinion (e.g., Tucker Carlson Tonight and the Rachel Maddow Show).  For these and other media outlets, demonizing political parties and people in power, along with dismissing other media accounts as “fake news” and “disinformation” help to retain and expand viewership and profitability.  

Third, the explosion of the social media and hand-held devices has further curated the information we receive.  For instance, political campaigns increasingly make use of political microtargeting (PMT) on social media. This involves collecting and analyzing people’s personal data to send them tailored political messages.  Included in the curated content we’ll often see angry and divisive rhetoric from those trying to influence us. This includes the use of bots and trolls has expanded to expose us to fake news, disinformation, and just plain angry and divisive content. And, finally, too many of us impulsively succumb to using social media to lash out at one another in anger or snark. 

Consequently, as our country has become very divided, our political parties, our politicians, and our media are invested in it being this way. They aren’t going to change. Meanwhile, we, the people, are angry at one another; are angry at the other political party and its politicians; and often feel threatened and anxious.  Our response has been to retreat to our respective information silos, a panacea that leaves us not only differentially informed, but even more apt to be angry and set in our ways.

If change is going to happen, it needs to come from us, the people. It won’t be easy, and it’s going to take time. Each of us needs to take responsibility to change our behaviors, and to encourage others to change theirs.

I have been working on a list of behaviors for the better part of six years. Here are ten I’d like to share with you—a list I still describe as a work in progress:

1. WATCH THE ACTUAL EVENTS:  This is shorthand for saying you should watch Congressional hearings, State of the Union speeches, and other important events.  Don’t let a media personality or a politician tell you what to think, and don’t let anyone tell you not to watch.  Watch the hearings, speeches, and events regardless of whether your political party is in power.  Firsthand evidence of events is always best. 
2. ACKNOWLEDGE THE RELIABILITY AND BIAS OF THE MEDIA SOURCES YOU USE AND TRUST:  Research the reliability and bias of sources you use.  I recommend Ad Fontes Media Ratings, but you can choose your own. It’s okay if you use sources that are less reliable and more biased; but you should be aware of it. 
3. BE AWARE OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “NEWS” AND “COMMENTARY” OR “OPINION”:  We all need to be more adept at telling the difference between “news” as opposed to “commentary” or “opinion.”  “News” is information gathered from multiple sources that is presented in the most balanced and unbiased manner possible. Ideally, you should end up not knowing where the reporter’s own feelings might lie. On the other hand, a reporter’s commentary or opinion is not “news”; rather the reporter is attempting to tell you what to think of the news.  Many of the top-rated cable news programs are short on reporting the news, and long on commentary and opinion. It’s okay to watch; just be aware you’re not getting balanced and unbiased reporting.
4. STRIVE FOR BALANCE IN THE MEDIA SOURCES YOU RELY UPON:  As you understand the reliability and bias of your media sources, you should adjust to produce greater reliability and less bias.  To use myself as an example, one of the CNN sources I have been relying upon (Jake Tapper) is somewhat high in terms of left bias; and I also note that this commentator offers a fair amount of opinion and commentary.  I am starting to record the Special Report with Bret Baier (Fox News), which has good reliability ratings with a very slight right bias.  This change also helps to balance out my reliance on the NBC Nightly News (Lester Holt), which has a very slight left bias, along with good reliability. 
5. DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH TO VALIDATE STATEMENTS (EVIDENCE, PROOF, ARGUMENTS) MADE BY POLITICIANS, MEDIA PERSONALITIES, AND OTHERS:  Politicians, media personalities, political interest groups and others often make statements that are one-sided, incomplete, misleading, or just plain wrong. These parties are prone to cherry-pick data to prove an assertion.  They are also prone to use loaded rhetoric and condemnations with very little supportive evidence.  When I find myself taken aback by such statements, I usually go online to do a search.  Often the statements have already been evaluated by a fact checking site.  But, more important, the research helps me to understand the subject matter better.  As an example, on the subject of unauthorized immigration, President Biden has been criticized for “open borders” and no enforcement.  There is a wealth of government data and reports (US Customs and Border Protection and Dept of Homeland Security) that contradicts these assertions.
6. WHEN IT COMES TO RECONCILING DIFFERENCES WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY AND OTHERS, BE HARD ON THE FACTS BUT EASY ON THE PEOPLE:  At times you may feel it is necessary to engage friends, family, and others when they make statements or post material that you believe is inaccurate, biased, or just plain wrong.  When this happens to me, I try to never be accusatory or condemning towards the person. I usually try to politely inquire about the source for their information/statement, including any evidence or research they are relying upon.  As much as possible we need to make reconciling differences a matter of searching for facts and building a common understanding. This is tricky because we’re all on edge in the current climate where personal attacks and insults predominate over rational discourse based on facts. 
7. TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE REASONING AND VIEWS OF THOSE YOU DON’T AGREE WITH:  Closely related to the previous point, when you disagree, it is essential that you try hard to understand where the other person is coming from.  It may not simply be a matter of having different sets of facts, or a person not being informed.  Often there are beliefs and values at stake, and these need to be respected.  A classic example is abortion.  I respect the personal value and belief that human life is sacred, and that abortion involves taking a life.  But I would, nonetheless, want to engage a discussion regarding the appropriate role of government in permitting and prohibiting abortion. 
8. LOOK FOR COMMON GROUND AND COMMON INTERESTS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO ARGUE OVER CONFLICTING POSITIONS:  Again, this point goes with the two previous points.  The literature on conflict resolution is very instructive here.  Often it is impossible to reconcile competing “positions”; instead, more can be gained by recognizing and building upon common interests.  For instance, two people might lock horns over whether there should be a 30-foot-high wall along the entire southern border.  This is an example of a position.  On the other hand, these same two people might agree that they share a common interest in increasing border security.  A wall would be one means of improving security, but other means could include better technology and surveillance, more personnel, and more fences and barriers in certain areas.  The two might agree that a 30-foot wall would be appropriate for certain areas; while fences, barriers and technology would be appropriate for other areas.  Along with increased personnel, they might agree on a package for improved border security. 
9. BE PREPARED TO MOVE ON FROM PEOPLE WHO DON’T WANT TO ENGAGE IN RATIONAL DISCUSSION AND OVERCOME DIVISIONS AND DIFFERENCES: Sadly, for various reasons, many people will not want to engage in resolving differences and overcoming divisions.  While virtually every person is worth an effort, in many cases you will conclude that you’re not going to be able to establish the level of communication and trust necessary to overcome differences.  When I reach this point with someone, I try to treat them politely and with respect. Usually, I thank the person for making the effort, note that I respect their views, and conclude that we can agree to disagree.  I try never to leave a discussion in anger, disrespect, or rejection.
10. TELL POLITICIANS AND CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE THAT YOU WILL NOT SUPPORT THOSE WHO LIE, STOKE ANGER AND DIVISION, ENGAGE IN DEMAGOGUERY, OR PUT PARTISAN POLITICS ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE:   We need to be more active in telling politicians and candidates for office that we don’t support behaviors that divide the country and make us angry at one another.  This will not be easy because many of us are locked into single issue politics or would prefer instead to take our chances on our party gaining complete control and enacting its entire agenda.  Again, each of us needs to make our own decision.  If we want to overcome our divisions, attempting to gain complete control and forcing our will on those who disagree with us is hardly the way to go.

I hope these suggested behaviors are of some help.  I find it a work in progress and would appreciate comments, concerns, and suggestions.  Here’s to a less divided and more united America.