Recently, my partner, Emma, was engaged in a discussion with her mother in the kitchen regarding the protests following the tragic death of George Floyd. I could overhear Emma’s mother posing questions about the ongoing demonstrations. The dialogue was civil, yet it felt as though they were two individuals from entirely different realities, attempting to make sense of the same event in history.
While we’ve never explicitly discussed our political affiliations, it’s clear that Emma’s parents lean Republican, whereas we identify as Democrats. They tune in to Fox News, while we prefer NPR. Living in Oregon, a blue state, contrasts sharply with their residence in Idaho, a red state. During their conversation, common themes emerged: notions of “paid protesters” and claims that “Antifa is the real issue,” along with the sentiment that while the killing of an unarmed Black man is tragic, it doesn’t excuse property destruction.
Just like countless families across the nation, Emma attempted to reason with her mother. She pointed out how ludicrous the idea of paid protesters is and acknowledged that while Antifa may be problematic, it’s crucial to focus on the underlying issues rather than broken windows. This mirrors the kinds of discussions I’ve had with my own relatives, who typically hold similar viewpoints.
I’ve observed this same exchange unfold online among family and friends, with familiar arguments being tossed back and forth. Engaging in these political discussions can be draining, and there are times when I feel the urge to either avoid the subject entirely or sever ties with family members whose perspectives clash with mine. However, despite the fatigue that can accompany such dialogues, I believe it’s essential now more than ever to confront these difficult conversations.
In 2020, social media algorithms curate news that aligns with our beliefs, and 24-hour news networks often recycle the same narratives, reinforcing a singular ideology. This echo chamber effect is pervasive. A prevalent trend online is the call to unfriend or block those whose views diverge from our own—an instinct I can understand.
I wholeheartedly support marginalized voices taking a stand against harmful rhetoric; it’s not their responsibility to educate those who deny their humanity. There are individuals online who propagate toxic, racist ideologies, and it’s vital to address or block them to prevent them from gaining a platform.
That said, there’s a distinction between expressing vile opinions and simply holding differing views. What we truly need now is to prevent the echo chamber from becoming even more insular. We require more dialogue—not turning away in disgust from differing opinions but fostering conversations, even when they are uncomfortable.
I previously wrote about the importance of empathy in understanding the roots of civil unrest. Riots often erupt when communities feel unheard and marginalized, when their cries for justice and basic human rights go ignored. They are the culmination of frustration after repeated attempts to communicate injustices peacefully have fallen on deaf ears. When families inquire about the motivations behind these riots, I share this perspective, urging them to contemplate the level of anger and despair that drives individuals to such extremes.
Those who express greater outrage over property damage than the loss of life often feel secure and validated. Conversely, many individuals today perceive that they have nothing left to lose, prompting them to react destructively as a means of expressing their desperation. This mindset poses a significant risk to societal stability.
For those struggling to grasp this reality, I encourage them to practice empathy. More often than not, this prompts a pause for reflection, revealing that they may not have encountered such a viewpoint before. Most individuals don’t actively seek to understand opposing arguments; instead, they surround themselves with like-minded voices, reinforcing their beliefs.
By offering an alternative perspective, we might provide a pathway for them to cultivate the empathy urgently needed in America. These discussions are critical to breaking the echo chamber, despite their discomfort and potential tension. If we are genuinely committed to addressing systemic racism and evolving our societal frameworks, these conversations must occur. It is not the responsibility of the oppressed to educate others; that duty falls on those like me, who occupy a position of privilege.
While explaining these issues and fostering empathy may be more challenging than simply clicking “block,” it has never been more vital. Lives are at stake.
In summary, engaging in uncomfortable conversations about social unrest is essential for fostering understanding and empathy. These dialogues can help break down echo chambers and pave the way for systemic change, ultimately supporting the marginalized voices that are often overlooked.