Election 2024: Campaign for Connection
Election Day is months away, however, many of us are already feeling the intensity of the U.S. presidential race. Our country seems overwhelmed by division and toxic conflict, and we have to navigate it everywhere from family dinners to school board meetings to our social media feeds.
Surveys find that the vast majority of Americans want to live in a less polarized, more united country--but how can you bridge differences in such a divided environment? Where do you even start?
In response, our team at the Greater Good Science Center is launching "Campaign for Connection". Over the months leading up to the elections, we’ll share a different research-based skill from our Bridging Differences Playbook and illustrate how you can integrate it into your life. We hope these skills offer some very practical support in what promises to be an increasingly challenging time.
Our Bridging Differences featured skills:
Skill #1: Focus on Individuality, Not Group Identity: According to research when we view people in terms of their own individual tastes and preferences, we feel less threatened by those who might seem “not like us.”
Skill #2: Seek and Promote Counter-Stereotypical Information: Challenge yourself to go beyond common stereotypes. Engage with someone from a different group, or explore content that reveals unexpected narratives. This practice not only broadens your perspective but also strengthens connections by replacing superficial judgments with real-world insights.
Skill #3: Listen with Compassion: Studies find that when we feel listened to during disagreements, we feel more socially connected to our conversation partners and can see our views more objectively. Research also shows that high-quality listening makes people more open-minded, less defensive and less focused on their self-interests.
Skill #4: Perspective Taking: Perspective taking can help us appreciate where others are coming from—all while holding firm to our own views. When you find it difficult to relate to someone’s viewpoint, try asking yourself, “What experiences might have shaped their views?” By considering this question—even if you don’t engage directly with the other person—you can broaden your perspective. With gained understanding, you may invite them into a conversation.
Note: No one should take the perspective of a group that dehumanizes them. Respect and acceptance need to be present.
