Bridging the Divide: Finding Unity in the 2024 Election Aftermath
In the wake of the 2024 Presidential Election, it's easy to feel like we're all wearing different team jerseys, each signaling who we are and who we aren't. Just like how sporting clubs or fraternities use spirit wear to create a sense of belonging, political leaders often tap into our subconscious need for psychological safety, nudging us to see others as "outsiders." But what if we could all be insiders, just in different rooms of the same house?
Neuroeconomics tells us that our brains are wired to seek safety, and political actors—both domestic and foreign—know this all too well. They thrive on creating divisions, making us feel vulnerable and fearful. This fear, while a powerful motivator, can cloud our judgment and hinder our ability to function fully as a society. It's like trying to solve a puzzle with half the pieces missing because we're too busy worrying about the other team.
Consider this: FDR once said, "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." Today, that fear often manifests as fear of one another. Our political landscape has sorted us into tribes, each wary of the other. But this fear-mongering only serves to degrade our civic dialogue and increase societal stress.
So, let's take a step back. How? Practice open-mindedness and curiosity. Seek first to understand, not to test or to convince another. Embrace the idea that we can be insiders and outsiders simultaneously, depending on the setting. After all, we're all part of the same team—Team Humanity.
Resist the urge to view fellow Americans as "others" or outsiders.
Practice open-mindedness and curiosity. Seek first to understand, not to test or to convince another.
Let's choose unity over division, and psychological safety over fear. Together, we can create a society where everyone feels like they belong, no matter what jersey they're wearing.
Your Fellow American, -Kim
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Some resources on neuroeconomics (if you do nothing else, view videos #3 and #4):
2. Introduction to Neuroeconomics and Decision Making: PhD Candidate Alice Dallstream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7DZwjoDB4
3. **Diversity & Inclusion (from cognitive neuroscience perspective) by Dr. Steve Robbins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaa-UKfwHhM
4. Thinking Fast and Slow, Linda Rising
#EPluribusUnum
I help organizations to elevate their people, products, and programs to better serve their customers.
3 个月This essay on neuroeconomics and how it relates to the heat of our partisan processes just got removed from my Nextdoor.com account. If anyone finds my post above inappropriate or offensive, please message me so we can discuss and I can improve the message. Thank you.
Strategic Business Coach - Product Agility & Full-Stack Coaching
4 个月Lovely message, thanks, Kim. FWIW my experience of the community that supported the winning candidate is that they are warm, tolerant, inclusive, and accepting, very different from how they are portrayed in the mainstream media. There is no reason for anyone to lose hope -- humans of every ilk crave connection, love, and upliftment, and that is in play right now in a big way. <3
I help organizations to elevate their people, products, and programs to better serve their customers.
4 个月I also am deeply grateful for the work and leadership of Linda Rising. You have made me a better person, son, father, husband, and leader through your work. THANK YOU!
I help organizations to elevate their people, products, and programs to better serve their customers.
4 个月I'll start the comments off with a sincere and enthusiastic thank you to Steve L. Robbins, Ph.D... Your work has been one of the most pivotal for me in my personal and professional life. Much gratitude from this SEC'er to your Big Ten family (except for those Blue guys)!