Like the NYT, in Mitch McConnell vs. Republicans I’m not sure of motives, nor should too much be made of the rift, though coming from the master of keeping colleagues in line, it must be said that democracy needs more squabbling within the parties and less conformity if it is to survive these times. The same goes for the rift between other Senate Democrats and Senator Manchin. His motives may be protecting his own investments in coal rather than principles. So what. We should celebrate the actions of both Senators nonetheless. Their actions put cracks the tiresome and dangerous idea of a Red and a Blue America.
One would be forgiven for thinking there are only two types of people in America today. I recently read about George Packers idea that there are Four Americas from the Atlantic, now a book of a different name referenced below. Of course, there are infinitely more than only 4 American types. Yet the hype these days about two irreconcilable factions in America feels entrenched. Thinking of Packers Four Americas: Free, Real, Smart and Just “Americas” is an interesting if overly-simple model. Contemplating that model helps shift away from the bi-polar paradigm and confronts what has become a widely accepted toxic conformity that arises from the “two sides” mindset.
This issue isn’t just about Congress or parties. I’ve spoken before to those serving on local boards that silence and conformity are derelictions of duty. I don’t usually say it so harshly. Most decisions that arise to a public hearing are not simple. Nor are most individuals monolithic in their perspectives. Yet when there is vehemence from the public on a topic, there is a strong drive in those on a board to symbolically close ranks for a “consensus” vote. This is an unfortunate, undemocratic impulse. Deliberating through all four corners of an issue is one way to diffuse the concept of one side “winning” while another must lose.
So how is it that we regularly allow cowardly performances of agreement to replace debate, discussion and dissent?
It takes courage to wade into dissent; to acknowledge truths embedded in what is said by those with whom you ultimately may disagree. Nor is it fun to disagree with fellow board members or fellow citizens. One may just be persuaded. It may take longer. It also takes awareness, effort and practice.
The forces driving conformity today include algorithms, peer pressure, wokeness, propaganda posing as media, tribalism, as well as party politics, none of which seem to produce especially compelling ideas. Each force is corrosive to democracy, and more practically speaking, corrosive to our ability to problem solve. Why is it at a time so many are howling about their freedoms being compromised that we surrender our agency so easily?
I have often reminded myself that there are many factions within each of us, so surely there are factions within any grouping of citizens. Pundits like the labels. They seem to go in and out of fashion quickly. The NYT in 2021 identified six Republican voters, Main Street, Tea Party, Christian Conservatives, Libertarians, The Disaffected and The Endangered. There used to be enough tension within groups that alliances were less rigid, including crossing the aisle on issues. What happened to that?
When have we become so afraid to engage each other? Fear compels the toxicity.
Nationally, today, we have a crisis of toxic conformity. The danger in conformity is that it glosses over the complexity of an issue or a decision. Ultimately, we deny our humanity when we quiet dissent—our own or that of others. To not engage one’s own thoughts for fear of being canceled is to give in to the autocratic fog descending upon us. Each time this occurs, a bit of the democratic spirit dies. We desperately need to engage each other.
To be clear, different dynamics drive conformism on a local board than in Congress. Local issues can be non-partisan but ultra-personal. The impact of artificial conformity is similar. In the focus today on apparent irreconcilable differences between parties, and our tribalism; we neglect that “the democratic imperative is to persuade,” and that in “an atmosphere of stifling conformism—a desire for the crowds affirmation or a fear of the sound of your own voice—honest, clear, original work is not going to flourish.” These quotes are from George Packers book, Last Best Hope. He says, “No one is going to save us. We are our last best hope.”
I would clarify that to persuade is not to bully. To persuade is to engage in discussion with the likelihood that there will be disagreement, and with the possibility that one may be persuaded.
So, yes, I am encouraged so far in 2022 that the Republican National Committee censured two of its members recently only to be denounced by Mitch McConnell. Mitt Romney did also, though anymore that is to be expected of him. He too has been sidelined by conformists. The two are standing up for two other non-conforming members on the January 6th committee doing vital work. It is especially vital that Cheney and Kinzinger are participating as Republicans. The greatest clout comes from those who are most expected to conform who don’t. Those who inquire, and possibly dissent should not be thrown out of a party.
In the Democratic party are two Senators thwarting a slight majority’s agenda. They too are being castigated for a lack of conformity. Kyrsten Sinema has been censured by the Arizona Democratic party, and Joe Mansion – the mere mention of his name… well it should be enough to remind some that not few Democrats are socialist, or a threat to democracy just as few Republicans are insurrectionists. The most valuable member of the party should be the one who is not afraid to stand alone. Think of John McCain; of Lisa Murkowski. Think of how far apart Nancy Pelosi and AOC are on so many issues. The coalitions should be more fluid within and across parties. Democrats are renowned for the messiness of their “Big Tent” coalitions. This is healthy. It is also more difficult.
It is as though we went to recess and put on red and blue colors for flag football and came back inside and brought the game with us. We could use more courage and less conformity at all levels of governance, starting with Senators, and continuing to citizens. If there is a light that is to shine on democracy again, it will come through more cracks in this current culture of toxic conformity.
