Violence does not happen alone. Violence happens in a context. And that context is influenced by our words.
In today’s political climate, the power of language is crucial. Extreme language can lead to dangerous events. In an era of abundant information, the flood of both real and false information shapes our political attitudes. The perception of false information can impact our attitudes and increase political cynicism. When facts are seen as subjective rather than objective truth, it becomes challenging to have meaningful debates or reach agreements on important issues.
As I observe the increasingly divisive rhetoric dominating our political landscape, I am deeply concerned about the future of our democracy. Having studied patterns of political violence in various contexts, I am reminded of the tragic events of the Rwandan genocide. There are troubling parallels in the way extreme language is shaping civic life in the United States.
In 1994, Rwanda experienced a genocide where 1 million people were killed. People who were once family, friends, and neighbors turned against each other due to dehumanizing rhetoric from political leaders, influencers, and media commentators. This reckless rhetoric led to a rampage of violence with the cooperation of clergy in some instances. The story of Rwanda’s genocide serves as a warning of what happens in civil society when tribalism and partisanship overshadow our shared humanity and citizenship.
There are lessons to be learned from studying how extreme rhetoric has fueled violence in other contexts. It shows how societal bonds can break down quickly when we divide ourselves into “us” versus “them”. While we are not facing the same scenario that led to the Rwandan genocide, we must be vigilant against rhetoric that dehumanizes political opponents or portrays them as existential threats.
In American politics, we have seen a troubling trend of using extreme rhetoric to manipulate emotions and gain power. This approach has led to extreme actions and harmed our institutions. Divisive rhetoric contradicts the values of the U.S. Constitution, which was designed to moderate extremist views and promote communication between political factions.
When political discourse is dominated by fear, anger, and mistrust, it creates a volatile environment. The events like the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6 serve as reminders of how inflammatory rhetoric can turn into real-world violence.
Nevada, like many states in America, has faced political polarization in recent years. The divide between urban and rural areas has been a source of tension, leading to disputes over various issues. Instances like the Cliven Bundy standoff and armed protests against pandemic restrictions underscore the intense emotions surrounding political disagreements in the state.
To address these challenges, we need to adopt a positive and proactive approach towards our neighbors, society, and government. This means challenging the status quo, emphasizing our shared humanity, promoting active citizenship, holding leaders accountable, and fostering critical thinking. We must confront rhetoric and actions that undermine democratic values and human dignity.
Moreover, religious communities play a critical role in either exacerbating or healing political divides. We must guard against the politicization of faith and focus on shared values and human dignity. It’s essential to reject dehumanizing language, resist cynicism, engage in good faith with differing views, and support leaders committed to unity and problem-solving.
By choosing our words wisely and embracing positive attitudes towards civil society, we can contribute to a vibrant and resilient democracy for generations to come. Our democracy depends on the actions we take and the language we use. Let’s choose faith over fear, hope over distrust, and love for one another, even our political opponents. The choice is ours, and our democracy hangs in the balance.