Why Asking 'Why' is Essential in Today's Divisive Political Climate

In I Never Thought of It That Way, author Mónica Guzmán highlights a fundamental truth: we don’t listen to each other enough. In a world that’s more polarized than ever, people tend to assume they already know the reasons behind opposing views. But by asking the simple question, "Why?" we open the door to greater understanding, empathy, and the potential for collaboration.

This question doesn’t mean agreeing with everything the other side believes—it means pausing long enough to genuinely consider their perspective. Why do they think this way? What experiences, values, or fears inform their stance? The answers can be eye-opening, even if we don’t end up changing our minds.

In our current political climate, particularly in local communities, we often see neighbors and colleagues entrenched in divisive debates without ever pausing to ask why the other person holds their views. The consequences of this lack of curiosity are significant: broken relationships, ineffective governance, and a loss of collective progress.

When we ask "Why?", it does a few key things:

1. Bridges Differences: Instead of focusing on the issues that divide us, we start to see the human motivations behind differing perspectives. This builds understanding, and in many cases, shared goals.
2. Promotes Civil Dialogue: Asking "Why" shifts the conversation from combative to collaborative. It opens up room for curiosity, a much-needed antidote to the hostility and assumptions we see today.
3. Encourages Critical Thinking: Instead of shutting down at the first sign of disagreement, asking "Why" forces us to dig deeper and think critically about our own beliefs. It makes us more self-aware, and less reactive.

In my own community work—whether campaigning for Fire Commissioner, or engaging with local government—I’ve seen firsthand how impactful it is when people slow down and ask this vital question. Too often, our local politics gets caught up in misunderstandings and assumptions. Instead of getting stuck in the mud of these divides, we could move forward more effectively by understanding why our neighbors hold different views.

For instance, when people express concerns about funding for fire departments or the future of our volunteer stations, rather than assume they’re wrong or don’t care, we need to dig deeper. Why do they feel that way? What concerns them about the current state of fire protection? These are the questions that lead to better solutions.

At a time when social media amplifies echo chambers and we’re tempted to see the other side as "the enemy," this small act of curiosity is a revolutionary step toward a more functional, compassionate society. I Never Thought of It That Way reminds us that asking "Why?" might be the single most powerful tool for breaking down the barriers that keep us from working together for the common good