For the past few months, America has been entering a dangerous era in which political rhetoric has resulted in physical violence. The recent Dallas ICE facility shooting, assaination attempts on political figures and various threats against election workers all point towards America’s progression in political violence.
This rise in political violence presents Americans with one of the greatest threats to Democracy and it must be confronted now. Democracy is at risk due to the fact that democratic society runs on the ability for individuals to freely express their opinions and ideas and then be able to peacefully come together to form agreements and resolutions. Without these core values, the foundation of democracy is likely to crumble.
Gabby Gulini (12) says, “This country was built on ideas of freedom of speech and whether or not you agree with someone’s opinions, they are guaranteed the constitutional right to share them. All that comes from political violence is chaos and chaos is the most dangerous phenomenon in a country.”
How America has found itself in such a concerning state of division which is now being expressed in the most extreme measures can be attributed to a multitude of factors. A significant cause is the language used by our politicians.
When our political leaders describe their opponents as enemies, traitors and extremists they encourage Americans to believe that political disagreements are not just opposing views on policy but also an existential fight over self-interest.
This in combination with social media spirals and extravagant news coverage solidifies the swift radicalization of Americans. The people who already feel a sense of anger will find reinforcement in the messages being sent saying that violence is justified.
Each act of violence does not just inflict harm upon an individual, but also creates a domino effect causing an increase in violence. This results in public fear, extensive division, and distrust in the government. Internationally America has become a representation of democratic instability through headlines that speak of tragedy and photos depicting bloodshed.
While this trend may be hard to break out of, it is not impossible. Leaders on both sides need to take responsibility for their words and actions in order to spare the remaining string holding democracy together. Condemning violence should not be optional or partisan, it should be a bare minimum expectation of public service.
Schools and communities should also start teaching not only government, but also the importance of rhetoric, respect and the values that hold us all together in times of political turmoil.
The media also plays a significant role. Instead of magnifying the situation along with extreme voices, and using fear to engage their audience, media outlets should focus on the facts, hold leaders accountable, and promote constructive debate.
When asked how social media specifically impacts political violence, Aliso’s AP Government teacher Mrs. Newkirk says, “Social media can be very dangerous and it has become very biased. No matter what your viewpoint is, you can find people that agree with you on social media. While many don’t support violence, it can promote violence for the people who do.”
Most importantly, American citizens need to stop seeing political opponents as enemies. In order to have a healthy and functional democracy, there must be disagreements, but this should never lead to the justification of violence. The future of American democracy depends on our collective ability to remember that in times of extreme conflict, we are one nation and all want what’s best for the United States.
If violence becomes normalized, democracy will be weakened. But if we recommit ourselves as a society to civility, respect, and accountability, we can once again show support for our views through voting on the ballot not by acts of harm.
