The Secret: We’re Not As Divided as We Think
For years now, everything we’ve seen in the media has blared us vs. them. But, in fact, is it really just … us?
I’ve been looking at this for the last few years, and noticing it in my interviews … and now data is coming out to confirm it: Yes, there are many big differences of opinion, but in most cases, most of the time, our society is not actually as divided as we think.
Since I can see your skeptical faces now, let me encourage you to consider a few factors, including some fascinating new research.
First, at the most basic level, think about your daily experience of living and working around others. Yes, there are always the loud people, and the ones with extreme views. But when you consider average daily life it’s likely that you’ll realize the same thing Jeff and I see in our travels: There are people all around us who hold different views but similar interpersonal values. They are just trying to value others, love their families, and live peaceful lives. This is true in urban and rural settings, coastal and inland, red states and blue.
So why does it seem that everyone is at war with one another? There are many reasons, but one is preeminent.
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