It has been a brutal week in America and I'm not the only one wondering whether the country can pull itself out of this spiral of hatred and violence.
After one of the most searing assassinations in US history, the governor of Utah pleaded for Americans to turn down the political temperature. But hardly anyone that I've spoken to since Charlie Kirk's death thinks that will be the path the country will choose. Recent history is full of examples where America has chosen not to come together after tragedies.
The reason is simple yet hard to change. The incentives that fuel American political life reward the people and platforms that turn up the heat, not those who dial tensions down. Around the country, you're more likely to get elected to political office if you run on policies and rhetoric that appeal to your political base.
The potential for violence is a reality that has persisted through American history, suggesting that the country's divisions are not a new phenomenon. Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s observations underscore the concerning role of social media in perpetuating these divisions.
As the country faces this current crisis, experts advocate for a more nuanced understanding of polarization. They argue it’s essential to focus on addressing the root causes of societal division rather than merely on the symptoms.
In conclusion, while some citizens draw hope from past recoveries from division, the current landscape suggests a unique challenge rooted in the incentive structures of modern media and politics. Only through a collective commitment to healing and dialogue can the United States hope to navigate its way through this tumultuous period.
