12/28/2023 0 Comments Civic unity definitionUnlike the unprincipled and uncivil negativity that has been common in recent years, good dissent challenges the status quo, criticizes accepted views, and puts forward principled alternatives (Stitzlein, 2014). If we hope to salvage our damaged democracy, then the solution isn’t to smooth things over but to become more determined to identify our points of disagreement, challenge each other, and freely express our competing views. After all, effective citizenship requires us to engage our competing perspectives, embracing new possibilities that may arise from an open clash of ideas. While I agree that our politics have become toxic, I find myself troubled by the recent emphasis on unity. According to recent polling data, 88% of citizens believe our leaders should put aside the vitriolic tone of recent years and try to find common ground (Goeas & Lake, 2021). “ We must end this uncivil war,” he declared in his inaugural address, insisting that “ unity is the path forward.” Apparently, most Americans welcome the effort to tamp down the rancor and elevate the pursuit of consensus and compromise among political rivals. Since his first day in office, President Joe Biden has pledged to reduce the level of partisan rancor that has overtaken American politics. Dissent and disagreement are important to the political process, and where can students learn those skills if not in school?
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