Be a Bridge Builder –– Overcoming Polarization to Build a Better Tomorrow

Today’s society is suffering from a deep bout of polarization. We are in the midst of a period of history where there is strong division with contrasting opinions and beliefs. While holding steadfast to your convictions is essential to human dignity and growth, we are pushing to a point of polarization that has become unhealthy and destructive to the promise of progress through collective discourse. 

Polarization is the act of driving separation, forcing a growing wedge in between two sides from which we must choose. As a people, we are fractured in this way. The deepening divisions between us are readily evident in protests turned riot, the pervasive anger towards politicians, and the lack of empathy for our society riddled with domestic violence and depression. History shows that during these periods of polarization, of fractured society, antagonistic political leadership unexpectedly arises. During periods of polarization, democracy is weakened, because people are distracted by their differences. 

We are stronger and more resilient together. 

Being Woke.

Undoubtedly, we must become aware; we must form an understanding and recognize the true dilemma we face. 

Volatility, suspicion, and oversimplification (seen when multifaceted issues turn into simplified data points, exemplified through “us versus them" rhetoric) is pervasive, expressed through anger and frustration. As a result, today's polarizing events and beliefs are nearly impossible to ignore or avoid. Prime examples include the current state of political affairs in the USA, BREXIT, China's expanding controls, and instances of racial inequality driving citizens to the streets. 

The plain and simple fact is that we are globally suffering from causes that have pitted us against one another. Don’t get me wrong, opinions, views and conviction are essential. The challenge, however, is when that viewpoint or passion boils over to an “us versus them” mentality that fractures the collective and prevents us from understanding the issues at hand and most certainly effectively coming together to work towards resolution. 

It begins and ends at the individual level. We need a movement. We need to start at a grassroots effort to adapt our behaviors and stop the cycle. It is up to us, the individual, to actively choose to find the solution that is best for society – for the we, for the collective; and not just self. 

Developing Bridge Builders. Let’s look at some simple realities. 

Reality One: Our thinking and time has been taken over by 24-hour stimulation. Being informed and knowledgeable is important for driving positive change in our society, but absorption to the point of loss of self erodes that positive impact. We must guard what we expose ourselves to each day and be mindful of what we consume. We must break through the clutter and noise, which so often includes: 

●       A 24-hour Media Cycle –– The goal of most news outlets is to filter viewers through a preset viewpoint.

●       Politicians –– They strive to generate support that drives their funding, which provides longevity. The result is a swath of Public Servants who are serving themselves or the entities that provide financial support. 

●       Leadership –– Authoritarians thrive in an environment that drives even more societal fractures, thus creating opportunity to exude power and expand footprints. 

●       Emboldened Voices –– Individuals hungry for the spotlight, looking to fuel their sense of power, can emerge in the vacuums left behind by widening gaps in beliefs.

●       Corporate Interests –– Empowered, emboldened, elitist corporations long to express their leaderships’ personal views at the expense of those they serve

Reality Two: Considered together, months of confinement, unemployment, and depression, with a dash of corrupt unions protecting law enforcement officers who forcefully exert abuse of power – you find yourself with a ticking time bomb. This unique set of circumstances has created an environment of pent up frustration and anger, and it is human nature to seek to place blame and engage in polarizing behavior. 

Reality Three: Polarization fractures society and weakens us. What we really need is Unity; we need to stand arm in arm to solve problems. In a regional or global community, this means we must see the viewpoint of others and occasionally seek a middle ground. Otherwise we are busy pushing hard for one-sided success at the cost of others. This is not just devastating to us as individuals, it is equally destructive to society. 

Reality Four: Debate is good and healthy; discussion is essential; having viewpoints and conviction is spectacular. The goal should always be to see all sides of the debate, looking empathetically towards the opinions of all sides, and then pushing like hell for change; for reform; for a movement. People should be allowed to be people. Companies should operate their businesses. Individuals being informed is important. And freedom of choice and expression is critical. 

●       But thinking for yourself is priceless. 

●       Avoiding herd mentality is essential. 

●       Thinking of others before yourself, and striving for success of the greater good, is required. 

Challenge.

Know this, no one political candidate will solve this; no medical cure will relieve our dysfunction; no disbanding of a leader's rule as they oppress human dignity will clean the mess. None of these alone will overcome this hurt and anger; rather it takes people like you and me, acting for the good of all and with respect for others; pushing forward together. 

We must strive to improve communication, using guidelines and neutral facilitation to maintain respectful interaction. At every turn, we must take the opportunity to build a working level of trust. Inside of all of this, we must strengthen the “non-polarized middle” and develop Bridge Builders. 

Call to Action. It takes all of us – but starts with one. Will you be that one? Will you be the one who starts a movement? 

We need a collective voice, one that sees both sides but doesn’t force others to be “on our side or they are dead to me. Rather, we need a voice that suggests solutions that seek to benefit both sides while still making progress. The world needs Bridge Builders, who:

●       Are aware of the root causes of polarization; both social and psychological. People struck with an awareness of the changing circumstances who can see when others become angry enough or desperate enough to jump on an otherwise irrational bandwagon

●       Are easily able to flow with stress, cultural shocks and tensions when interacting with others

●       Avoid the “me first” mindset; considering others’ needs above your own. 

●       Seek to avoid ideological differences and categorizations; avoid stereotypes and grossly overgeneralizing facts to a baseline of “us versus them” 

●       Interact with an open mindset, looking to develop common goals. Stepping away from what might be deep seeded preconceived mindsets. 

Deep down in your soul, you know you can achieve each of these things. Today. Now go act, be the difference. Be a Bridge Builder.