Getting past politics of contempt

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

Since 2016, Braver Angels, a national organization, has worked to bridge the political divide. In these politically divisive times, this work matters more than ever. On March 14, BA's Tucson chapter joined Voter Choice Arizona, Arizona Democracy Resilience Network, and the Center for Community Mediation and Facilitation in cohosting a presentation by Beth Marlow. Ms. Marlow, along with coauthors Doug Teschner and Becky Robinson, recently published a book entitled Beyond the Politics of Contempt: Practical Steps to Build Positive Relationships in Divided Times.

Following brief introductions by representatives of the hosting organizations, Beth took the floor. She shared what had led to her writing a book.

'As a science and health communicator,' Beth explained, 'I noted that during the COVID epidemic there was a need to communicate better concerning vaccines and masks. I wanted to write a book on science and communication. But I got my feet wet with this book.'

Beth and her coauthors come from a wide variety of political backgrounds. Beth, a health professional with ties to New England, is a confirmed Democrat but enjoys close relationships with Republicans. Doug, a Republican and former New Hampshire state legislator now retired, has long worked with members of both political parties, a practice he continues as a Braver Angels volunteer. Fellow Republican Becky got her political feet wet when, as a high school student not yet of voting age, she made posters in preparation for then-presidential candidate George H. W. Bush's 1988 visit to her hometown. She consistently voted Republican until 2020, when dismay over Trump's anti-LGBTQ policies led her to reconsider her earlier support.

Beth's actions have long reflected her guiding philosophy: 'Be curious, not furious.' Faced with her party's defeat in the November 2016 election, she attended a meeting of fellow liberals bent on bringing down the incoming Trump administration, but found that she felt out of place there. Rather than fight against Trump supporters, she wanted to better understand why they had voted for Trump.

The challenging times ahead would offer her no shortage of learning opportunities. As just one example of a divisive issue, people differed sharply on how to respond to the COVID pandemic, which gripped the nation in 2020. Said Beth, 'According to people on the left, we needed to get rid of every case. But people on the right pointed out that we need jobs, and kids need to be in schools. We need communities.

Community ties are important, too. People on both sides have basically the same values but different approaches.'

Fast-forward to the aftermath of the Nov. 2024 election, which heralded Trump's return to the White House after a four-year absence. Beth, commenting on workshops she has hosted since then, remarked, 'I've noticed there's a real hunger. People want to know how to mend relationships. People are dealing with different sets of facts. People who have been friends forever voted differently in 2024. They want to be friends again.'

To break down barriers and improve relationships, Beth relies on the 'ABCs': A = Awareness that we're being played. Lots of money is made by pushing us against each other. There are entities trying to tear us apart as Americans. To counteract this, says Beth, 'I try to challenge my own thinking.'

B = Braver Angels (and other organizations working to bridge the divide). Being part of an organization engaged in civil discourse, we can seek ways to escape from our bubble.

C = Civil discourse means listening to people and making them feel heard and respected, even if we don't agree with them. We can start by asking the question, 'How did you come to feel that way?' Then we can explain our own point of view.

Can we reach out for greater understanding of those with opposing viewpoints, yet still remain true to our own beliefs? Absolutely. 'Coming across the scene of a demonstration that had recently taken place,' Beth said, 'I saw a sign that read, 'I'm here because I love my country.' That's a great message. I definitely believe there's a way to integrate activism and bridge building.'

Cynthia Coan is a 60-something childless dog-lady and librarian turned- book indexer. She attended her first in-person Braver Angels meeting in February 2025.

CYNTHIA COAN