The Intersection of Politics & Polarization: How Othering is Destroying our Democracy

By Kim Harris, M.Ed

www.DistinctiveVoiceConsulting.com

 

 A favorite resource of mine is the Othering & Belonging Institute at my alma mater, U.C. Berkeley. On April 21, 2021, the institute held an othering and belonging summit online. This summit can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3ESJth8hjWf86vhidQzJFwTbcpGP54OZ

 

One panel of interest was the one hour session featuring filmmaker and author Astra Taylor, Political Science Professor Taeku Lee, and organizer DeJuana Thompson titled “A Conversation on Democracy & Belonging”. This specific talk can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogTm4c64fAE.

 

The conversation arose from questions around what is keeping America from progressing, why are we not living up to our ideals of equality for all, and what’s happening to our democracy. These questions were asked through the lens of broken systems highlighted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Such systems as: equitable access to healthcare and the American policing system.

 

The three speakers raised thought provoking concepts and issues to unpack causes of systemic inequity and an assault on the United States electoral system. For this blog I’d like to highlight what U.C. Berkeley Political Science Professor Taeku Lee discussed: our current state of polarization.

 

The democratic process is a beautiful one. It allows for the input of many thoughts and opinions and through this collaborative process we arise at a decision of the will of the majority to guide our direction. Over the last decade there has been a decline in our tolerance for differences that has been attributed to Russian meddling and disinformation via social media as well as a decline in the manner in which our politicians conduct their messaging. Professor Lee shares three ideas beginning at the 12 minute mark in the session: ideological, racial and epistemic polarization.  Professor Lee describes ideological polarization as the divide between democrats and republicans and liberals and conservatives. The divide in ideological opinions between these groups was measured at 32% in 2014. Professor Lee posits that this percentage would be much higher today. Lee cited a source stating that there are two signs of a failing democracy: the polarization of societal politics and the decline of mutual tolerance. Professor Lee observes these signs in our society today.

 

According to Professor Lee, racial polarization is described as realities of the dominant culture (whites in the United States) and that of people of color being different. Lee states that we see today’s politicians using racial polarization to gain power and win elections. He shares that the Republican Party has been taken over by white supremacist groups that use dog whistling language in their rhetoric to divide people and gain power. When the people in the majority scapegoat and minimize the needs of people from marginalized groups like minorities and immigrants, this is described as “othering”.

 

Professor Lee describes epistemic polarization as the difference in realities of members of society. He uses law enforcement as an example. Many folks from the dominant culture in America, i.e. white folks, see police as a source of safety and security while most people of color share a different experience and fear the police. Another example here is the politicization of mask wearing. Some folks see mask wearing as government control while others see it as a public health matter. When we as a society face large problems, we have to be able to agree on the problem. If we cannot agree on the problem for large matters, we fail like a sinking ship.

 

So what can we do to save our democracy and survive as a nation? This panel of experts recommends we that collaborate, radically invest in communities of color to bring up those who are falling behind in society, and organize. We have to work together on matters that are important to us so that we can help our nation progress, live up to our ideals of equity, and maintain our democracy. A wise man once said, “A person alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back to back and conquer. Three even better, for a triple-branded cord is not easily broken.” So triple-brand yourself with positive, equity focused groups and organizations and be the change. Let’s work together as one people to share wealth, power and take care of those in need. Our great nation will be judged on how we treat the least among us so let’s stop blaming those left behind and create systems that include and provide for the needs of everyone.

 

For a list of Whatcom County progressive organizations for which to organize email me at DistinctiveVoiceConsulting@gmail.com