We often want to know what “started it.” We want to know what is the chicken and what is the egg.
We do need to analyze what is happening. But sometimes our desire for complete understanding keeps us from acting.
In a recent book by Robert Putnam, The Upswing, he shows how our nation went from the individualism and inequality of the 1930’s to a much more equal nation, and in recent decades has been swinging back in the other direction. He is clear: There is no one cause of these historic changes. There are many.
No one party, no one policy or platform, and no one charismatic leader was responsible for bringing about America’s upswing as we entered the twentieth century. It was, instead, the result of countless citizens engaging in their own spheres of influence and coming together to create a vast ferment of criticism and change—a genuine shift from “I” to “we.”
The Upswing
Robert D. Putnam
Over 75% of the US population is concerned about the state of our democracy. Many factors have contributed to this – and no, it’s not just the internet.
So, while we think deeply about the factors contributing to our divisions, let’s also choose to act:
- Groups to connect to other groups
- Individuals to meet and associate with others
- Move from zero sum competition to “the sum is greater that its parts” cooperation
And let’s decide to act with the power that we have in our
- Families
- Friendship groups
- Neighborhoods
- Organizations
Let’s act, and let others decide if we are the chicken or the egg. Both are good and necessary.
Our toolkit, Potluck for Democracy, is a great place to start. You can find it here: https://pathstounderstanding.org/get-involved/potluck/