7-nov9-political-polarization

We acknowledge that the results of the election may have been difficult for some members of our CEMS community. We want to reassure you and remind everyone that the CEMS community is to be a safe space, respectful and accepting of people of all political ideologies.

Political Polarization in America

statelegislatures_101018hillillustration

Political polarization is deepening in the United States. There is less ideological overlap between the Republican and Democratic parties and partisan animosity has increased substantially over the past twenty years. Causes of this phenomena include social media bubbles and in-group bias; consequences include increasing mistrust and inability to compromise across party lines. To preserve our democracy, we need to learn to listen to and understand members of the opposite party and focus on issues, rather than party identity.

Learn More

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Future of U.S. Foreign Policy November 9 at 12 PM. Register here.

STEP Seminar with Ben Passer & Janiece Watts: Energy Access & Equity at Fresh Energy November 9 at 1 PM. Zoom link here.

STEP Seminar with William Rom: Climate Change & Global Public Health November 11 at 1 PM. Zoom link here.

What is America's Future in the World? November 12 at 12 PM. Register here.

2020 Post-Election Conversation with Amb. Bonnie Jenkins November 12 at 4:30 PM. Register here.

Stories and Voices from Activists in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., & Minneapolis November 13 at 1 PM. Register here.

GIVE | NEW AMERICAN LEADERS

NAL is a national, nonpartisan organization focused on training and inspiring the next generation of political leaders - from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. In their words, "We believe that when our elected officials mirror the makeup of our nation, we achieve stronger communities, a more responsive government and a robust democracy."

Learn More

Give to NAL

ACT | HAVE A POLITICAL CONVERSATION

In this TED Talk, titled "How to Talk Politics When You Disagree," Ciaran O'Connor describes how to engage in productive political dialogue with members of the opposite party. He gives practical advice and emphasizes the importance of trying to understand how the other person's lived experiences shaped their political beliefs.

Watch on Youtube

LEARN | THE COLOR OF LAW

Rothstein, a senior fellow at UC Berkeley School of Law, described how the American government disadvantaged Black Americans through racist housing policies, resulting in segregated neighborhoods and school systems. This book explores the role of government and explicit public policies that exacerbated racial division in America.

Read the Book

Contact Info

CEMS SOAR is open to all undergraduates, graduate students, and postdocs.

Visit Website

Email SOAR

Sources

The Hill. [Online Image]. Retrieved from https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/410853-democrats-aim-for-big-gains-in-state-legislatures

NALAF. [Online Image]. Retrieved from https://www.nalaf.org/

NAL. [Text]. Retrieved from https://newamericanleaders.org/our-mission/

TEDx Talks. (2020, April 15). How to Talk Politics When You Disagree | Ciaran O'Connor | TEDxYouth@Austin [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29rwq7-sfAc&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Amazon. [Online Image]. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Color-Law-Forgotten-Government-Segregated-ebook/dp/B01M8IWJT2

This email was sent to all CEMS subscribers by student group CEMS SOAR located at Amundson Hall 421 Washington Ave SE Minneapolis, MN 55455. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

mass email privacy statement

Sent via