How We Can Restore the American Dream
Let’s discuss something on everyone’s mind lately—the divisive nature of American politics and how it’s affecting the American Dream. I know it’s a heavy topic, but bear with me because I think there’s hope on the horizon!
I am not one of those perpetually optimistic Americans who doesn’t see the significant challenges of our republic, but I believe, with all of my heart, that we are still the greatest country on the planet…or at least the greatest conceptual republic on the planet.
Our founding fathers could not have imagined the significant progress in human evolution and technology. They could never have imagined how much of the all-known knowledge rapidly doubles in days rather than decades. But they did hold dear the concept of freedom, lack of oppression, and strength found in unity. It’s not without fault, but it’s undoubtedly spot-on in concept.
Just gather a group of Americans at a dinner party and watch how long it takes before you are either biting your tongue or spilling your guts in frustration over someone else’s opinions on a platform or politician.
First, let’s look at some stats. A recent Pew Research Center study found that 85% of Americans believe the country is more divided than ever before. Yikes! And a whopping 78% of Americans think that this division is threatening the very foundation of our democracy. Double yikes!
But why is this happening? Many experts point to the rise of partisan media, the echo chambers of social media, and the increasing polarization of our political parties. It’s like we’re all living in different realities, making it harder and harder to find common ground. Just think about that for a second – “different realities.” It wasn’t that long ago that a reality was just that – a reality.
But here’s the thing – the American Dream is all about coming together, working hard, and building a better future for ourselves and our children. And right now, that dream is being crushed under the weight of all this division. We are divided right down the middle on almost everything except the reality that we are divided.
According to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center, the political divide among Americans is wider than ever before. The study found that the median partisan gap has increased from 15 percentage points in 1994 to 39 percentage points in 2021. This means that the average Democrat and Republican are now further apart ideologically than ever. The survey also revealed that 88% of Republicans hold an unfavorable view of the Democratic Party, while 86% of Democrats view the Republican Party unfavorably. These numbers have increased dramatically since 2016, when 68% of Republicans and 62% of Democrats held unfavorable views of the opposing party.
Furthermore, a 2020 National Bureau of Economic Research study found that political polarization significantly impacts Americans’ personal lives. The study revealed that 50% of Republicans and 33% of Democrats would be unhappy if their child married someone from the opposite political party. This is a sharp increase from 1960 when only 5% of Republicans and 4% of Democrats felt the same. The study also found that 63% of Americans believe political polarization is a significant problem facing the country, and 55% believe it will only worsen in the future. These statistics paint a sobering picture of the state of political division in America today.
Are we okay with these startling realities? I hope not!
But don’t lose hope just yet! I’ve got four ideas for how we can start to turn things around:
- Let’s focus on our shared values. Most Americans want the same things—a good job, a safe community, a robust economy, and a bright future for their kids. If we can start by focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we’ll be off to a great start. To do so, we have to set aside a lot of “me” and step into many “us.”
- Let’s break out of our bubbles. It’s easy to surround ourselves with people who think just like us, but that’s not doing us any favors. Try to seek out different perspectives, listen with an open mind, and engage in respectful dialogue. You might be surprised by what you learn! Learning to withhold our assumptions is valuable in seeking common ground. It requires a bit of humility and a great deal of mutual desire to better our plight.
- Let’s hold our leaders accountable. We must demand more from elected officials and governmental, business, and faith-based leaders. There should be no more partisan bickering or putting party over country. We need leaders willing to work together, compromise on non-essentials, and put the needs of the American people first. I like what Eisenhower stated when asked if he was a Republican or a Democrat when he returned from WWII. He stated that “he was an American.
- Get in the game! It seems that our best and brightest leaders no longer seek to lead our governmental affairs. I’m not certain that I blame them. The scrutiny of any leader in any degree of the public spotlight is so overwhelming that I ask myself, “Why would anyone put their family through that?” But at some point, we must be willing to get out of the stands and onto the field of play. Is it worth it to you? I do not know. But I know that some of us must find a way to make a real difference by being more engaged than writing an article or voicing an opinion.
I know these are just small steps, but I truly believe that if we all start moving in the same direction, we can start to bridge the divide and restore the American Dream.
It won’t be easy, but nothing worth doing ever is.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves, put our differences aside, and get to work. Together, we can build a brighter future for all Americans. Before we leave that and move on to the rest of our day, let’s ask a simple question. What might God have to say about this divided nation? Let’s look at how we can apply biblical wisdom to this issue.
As a Follower of Jesus, I know that God calls us to love one another, even when we disagree. In fact, Jesus himself said, “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35). That’s a pretty powerful statement!
So, how can we show love in the midst of political division? One way is to follow the advice of the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:18, where he says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” That doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything, but it does mean we should strive for peace and understanding whenever possible. We must change how we communicate these differences. Let’s face it: nothing changes until something changes.
Another biblical principle that can help us bridge the divide is the idea of humility. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” When we approach political conversations with humility, recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and that others may have valuable insights to share, we open the door for real dialogue and progress. We can accomplish a great deal with meaningful and purposeful dialogue. That kind of dialogue requires setting aside the assumption that you are 100% correct in all things and all ways. Hence, humility.
Finally, let’s remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 22:37-39, where he tells us that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we put love – God’s brand of love – at the center of our political engagement, we can start to see past the labels and the stereotypes and recognize the humanity in one another.
Hey folks, I realize that this article is a bit Pollyanna in its concept, but given the animosity that is stirred from social media, alleged news outlets, and the angst amongst our communities, can we not hold a bit more loosely the thought that a disagreement does not necessarily mean that the holder of the opposing position is inherently evil? Somehow, someway, America was founded on disagreement and collaborative thought. Yes, we have made monumental mistakes, but I would state the obvious today – that the biggest mistake we will ever make is to remain in rigid battle lines firing muskets at opposing thoughts with our keyboards and venomous hatred. We can hold our terminal certainty more loosely and allow room for the fact that not only can someone else be right, but that we might actually be wrong.
So there you have it, folks – a biblical blueprint for bridging the political divide. It’s not always easy, but with God’s help and a commitment to love, humility, and peace, we can start to heal our nation and restore the American Dream for all.
Go in Peace, Chuck
