Kristina Becvar is the Chief Operating Officer of the Bridge Alliance.
“It’s not a democracy.”
The above provocative statement was the first comment made on a social media post Monday sharing this week’s Fulcrum post on Juneteenth and the intersection of art, politics, and American identity. The comment accomplished exactly what it was intended to do - completely ignoring the content of the article, a nuanced discussion of how art and politics reflect each other, and instead making a declarative statement that is divisive enough to make people think twice about engaging and effectively preventing conversation. That’s the power of the words we choose to use when discussing American politics, and social media has been an incubator for people to learn how to employ the red herring tactic of diverting attention from the real issue by focusing instead on a subject that has only a vague relevance, if any relevance at all, to the real issue. This technique allows the perpetrator to feel as if they “won” something in a discussion without having to get curious or engage in thoughtful deliberation.
Is the United States a democracy? Absolutely. Is it also a republic? Yes to that too. Our society is being conditioned to view those complementary concepts as opposing forces, the false dichotomy fueling tribalism and diverting attention from critical issues. Debating word choice in this manner is a tactic being spread by anti-democratic folks to shore up opposition to voting rights, voter access reforms, casting a shadow on movements that aim to strengthen democracy. Recognizing that a republic is a representative democracy, we must not let word choice distract us from the fundamental question: Does America truly function as a healthy representative democracy? A candid assessment reveals that there is work to be done. So how do we move past the playbook of using divisive words and tactics to derail discussions on how to make America live up to the best version of ourselves?
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To navigate these challenges, we can draw inspiration from successful strategies implemented by democracies worldwide. The Election Reformers Network and the Alliance for Securing Democracy have recently released a report showcasing innovative approaches that can combat polarization and mistrust within democratic systems. By embracing these innovative ideas and adapting them to our unique context, we can forge a more inclusive and participatory society.
One of the pillars of work among many Bridge Alliance members is that of finding unity within divided communities, and we recognize that unity is often best achieved through local, community-based connections. Recognizing the significance of civic literacy, we acknowledge that quality discourse and informed citizens are essential for countering simplistic talking points and inflammatory rhetoric. By equipping ourselves with civic knowledge, we can strengthen the very foundations of our country. Our collective efforts can help us move beyond being pulled into the linguistic trenches and toward creating a future where America lives up to its fullest potential.
So, let us remain engaged and curious as we strive towards a stronger republic. By fostering unity, embracing innovation, and pursuing civic knowledge, we can build a more robust democracy that reflects the ideals upon which our nation was founded.
Angela Ferrell-Zabala, the executive director of Moms Demand Action!, speaks at the Mother’s Day of Action Rally held in Atlanta on May 13, 2023. COURTESY ANGELA FERRELL-ZABALA
Destine Riggins says she was the only photographer at the various West Jefferson, NC racial justice protests she attended and documented, such as this 2020 march. (VICKI RANDOLPH)
Protest leaders give speeches during a 2020 Black Lives Matter protest in West Jefferson, NC where Queue Wellington also worked as a leader in the local racial justice movement. (DESTINE RIGGINS)