Contributed by Mason Mosier, sophomore, political science, media and communication
My time at The Washington Center seminar Jan. 11-15 regarding the 2021 presidential inauguration was eye-opening. Hearing from media personalities, leaders of special interest groups, government officials and others led to a deeper understanding of the values and institutions that allow our fragile, complex democracy to exist.
I am particularly struck by the variance in belief within the Republican and Democratic parties. The groupthink some would believe is a new normal seems to be the furthest thing from the truth. Instead, people continue to demonstrate that their value systems cannot be placed into a perfectly square box. The diversity of thought among speakers from all different walks of life, and with varying levels of education and experience, gives reason to celebrate a society still ripe for democracy. This is not to say that the seminar always left me feeling great about the future prospects of our country, though, but rather that America will continue to serve as the “shining city on a hill” if only we will continue to hear those on the other side. As cliché as the quote, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” may seem, its legitimacy cannot be diminished.
I first want to thank the ETSU Honors College for creating the Citizenship and Democracy in America project one and selecting me to be a part of it. This opportunity has allowed for new networking opportunities and a better understanding of historical perspective that will benefit me throughout my time at ETSU and really the rest of my life. I took notes through each day of the seminar and feel it best to simply share these thoughts. Full disclosure, though, I, along with everyone else at the seminar, have certain biases. I tend to favor limited government, traditional values and economic freedom. I can only hope that I was as objective as possible through these excerpts of my daily notes.
Day 1: An important lesson today was to meet people where they were. If one is concerned about economic growth more than public health, or vice versa, this is hardly a reason not to reach out and appeal to their concerns. Every American’s fate is tied to this pandemic. If the medical community and government officials take the “big-tent” approach and recognize that everyone’s concerns about the virus and its effects are valid, then Americans can work as a collective unit. Make no mistake, though, having to frame something in a point of view one might otherwise not understand does not temper the validity of an opposing perspective. Unity is bringing people together
Day 2: I recognize that it is often easy for me to call for unity, but if we are to still believe in the tenants of democracy, as well as the American experiment that ties each of us to a singular fate, we must strive for a more unified, better tomorrow.
To speak on accountability is to pretend that all Americans, and almost all other countries, are not complicit in slavery and oppression toward minorities. Often, condemnation and a dismissive nature to those that identify as conservative or Republican, even though Johnson claimed that Black Conservatism was very much a real thing, only serves to further divide and entrench individuals into their tribal groups.
Day 3: The dangers of withholding peace for perceived retribution can lead to disastrous consequences for our country.
When America’s micro bubbles of division begin to dissipate, then politicians can better represent the needs of a diverse population and fight for the betterment of all society.
Day 4: Just as America is full of diverse thoughts that prevent groupthink- a tenant of failed democratic institutions and practices- so, too , was our speaker’s ideals.
Alice Stewart, a political commentator on CNN, explained her support of the president’s policies. What was most surprising was the genuine friendship between her and Maria Cardona, a known activist against Trump and his actions.
Individuals do not have to see ‘eye to eye’, but at least have to tolerate one another. This is a disappearing theme within elite society such as the media, politicians and academia as a whole.
As Americans seem to come closer together, despite large gaps in opinion and morality, our elite divide us.
It is evident that the disease of division and partisanship originated from all corners of our country. What will bring us together now is an understanding of even widely differing beliefs.
