In this episode of Outrage Science Bites, host David Beckemeyer explores the dangers of political sectarianism and the belief that the other side poses an existential threat to democracy. He discusses a recent Brookings Institution study that found that a majority of Americans believe that the future of democracy is at stake in the 2024 presidential election. He also examines how this belief can lead to violence, as evidenced by the January 6th Capitol attack. Beckemeyer argues that we need to step back from the fears and weigh out the actual likelihood of our worst fears coming true. He emphasizes that our democracy depends on our ability to listen, compromise, and find solutions that work for all Americans.
Key Takeaways:
Political sectarianism is the state of our political polarization, which is characterized by how the two sides dislike and distrust each other.
A recent Brookings Institution study found that a majority of Americans believe that the future of democracy is at stake in the 2024 presidential election.
This belief can lead to violence, as evidenced by the January 6th Capitol attack.
We need to step back from the fears and weigh out the actual likelihood of our worst fears coming true.
Our democracy depends on our ability to listen, compromise, and find solutions that work for all Americans.
Additional Resources:
Brookings Institution study:
Outrage Overload podcast: https://outrageoverload.net/
Call to Action:
If you are concerned about the state of democracy in the United States, please encourage your friends and family to vote in the 2024 election. You can also contact your elected representatives and urge them to work together to find solutions to the challenges facing our country.
About the Podcast:
Outrage Science Bites is the companion podcast to the Outrage Overload podcast. It is a daily podcast that explores the science behind outrage and how it affects our lives.
NaPodPoMo Day 27: 2024 Election - The Existential Threat of the Other Side