Written by Kristen Grimm and Michael Murray, Best-Case Scenario Staff
When it comes to the political violence doom loop that we are in, it is up to all of us to pull America out of it. We don’t want this to be the way it is. Hearing about attempted assassinations of candidates, people normalizing crude and derogatory commentary about candidates and making up fiction that tears communities apart does not need to be features of our politics moving forward. We can reset the norm that we want to live by. As community leaders and even everyday citizens we each have a responsibility to ourselves and our communities we exist within to set and live by the standards we wish to see in the world. While organizations such as The Horizons Project and The Bridge Alliance are working towards systems level change within communities, grassroots efforts are equally critical in fostering a culture of peaceful discourse.
The hardest part of building something new is figuring out where to start. First, we need to reject that this is how it has to be. We aren’t going to get anywhere by finger-pointing no matter how justified we think our views may be. Those aren’t productive or effective conversations. While words alone can do a lot of good, there are times where they aren’t enough to stop bad actors. Instead of waiting to react and cleaning up the results of harmful acts, we can instead follow the tactics below that have come from social science research, community action, and ongoing dialogue of impacted parties to take proactive steps towards planning for the best-case scenario rather than responding to the worst.
Setting boundaries and reaffirming accountability
While free speech is, and will always be protected, this does not mean that there can’t be boundaries created out of mutual respect that allow conversations to remain fruitful without becoming harmful. If you believe your side is correct, then there is no need to resort to violence or hate filled language in order to get your point across. When you’re able to find the courage to speak out, you’re providing the spark of inspiration for others to follow.. A simple but powerful action is saying these words: “We can work this out without violence.” While some may be unwilling or unable to hold themselves accountable, it’s up to us to stand firm in our beliefs and commit to showing leaders that they are responsible for their actions. For leaders, you have a position of trust and your voice matters. This includes especially calling on the voices of your fellow leaders, peers and colleagues to condemn such acts of violence or hatred both physical and verbal. If you’re unsure how, don’t worry, groups like States United Democracy Center have the expertise and resources to get you started. If each of us can role model disagreement without resorting to violence then we’ll start to see this tide turn. It is when those acting in bad faith believe that there will be no consequences to their actions that they and those like them continue down this path and inspire others to follow. Consequences of this lack of accountability can be clearly seen through research where toxic language has been proven to lead to political violence.
Creating an environment for people to disagree better
When properly harnessed, conflict and disagreement can be incredible catalysts for innovation and positive change. Yet most people are afraid to state their views for fear of judgment or even physical harm caused by those who disagree with them. To get past this, we must create spaces where exchanges of ideas are welcomed from all sides and can be done without worry. However, reaching that point is something that takes a concerted effort. The work being done through the National Governors Association’s disagree better resource hub provides research, resources and inspiration on how we can achieve healthy conflict. Local efforts are already underway across the country to make this a reality by creating safe spaces for those with opposing political views to engage in a productive dialogue, and report potential violence when others may get carried away.
Oftentimes spaces like these may be the first time someone may be hearing the views of those they oppose from those who believe them instead of from a news anchor. When people are asked about a personally negative experience they’d had with a group they didn’t agree with, most people didn’t actually have one. Polarization researcher Peter Coleman found that these people were mostly forming negative perceptions without any direct interactions with the persons they disagreed with. By asking “what is your personal experience that gives you concerns or hope on this issue,” you move them away from parroting information ecosystems and considering their own authentic opinion and experiences. When we allow space for new or opposing ideas in our political systems, our best candidates (regardless of part or identity) will run because they don’t have to face rising threats. People will be able to have their say without worrying for personal safety. And we’ll have the discussions — many long overdue — that we need to have as a nation or a community to create a future we will be proud to leave to the next generation.
Prepare for the worst, plan for the best
Regardless of how much we work to create the right environment, that doesn’t always mean that things will always go to plan. Conflict is a part of life, and there is always a possibility that between voters and organizers, residents and their neighbors or political candidates and their constituents, violence may turn from a hypothetical into a reality. Addressing this political violence in America requires a collective effort from both leaders and citizens.
This path requires commitment and courage, both at the individual and community level. By fostering accountability, promoting nonviolent communication, and creating environments conducive to productive disagreement, we can turn the tide on political violence and create communities and a democracy that thrives on respectful and constructive dialogue. This is the legacy we can build today, ensuring that America’s political future is not defined by division but by unity and progress.