When we advocate for one ideal of civic life, we may inadvertently subvert other ideals. But what if there were "bridge populations" that hold the key to resolving these tensions and reviving our democratic spirit?
Utilizing data on the perceptions American voters hold about civic language, this analysis identifies 10 complementary pairs and 10 antagonistic pairs of civic ideals. Together, these pairs give us a panoramic view of how Americans broadly delineate between civic virtue and civic vice. The antagonistic pairs merit special attention: advocacy for one ideal may unwittingly subvert (or be subverted by) a pre-existing high regard for an antagonistic ideal. To encourage projects that overcome these antagonistic pairs, this analysis continues to identify “bridge populations” that are a demographic profile of the top ≈10% of Americans who hold positive associations for both ideals of an antagonistic pair. These bridge populations arguably are an untapped, dynamic source of creativity for overcoming the tensions constraining civic life in the United States.
"Complementary pairs" in the data included:
Patriotism & Liberty
Activism & Diversity
Bridge Builder & Civility
"Antagonistic pairs" in the data included:
Patriotism & Racial Equity
Common Good & Privilege
Activism & Civility
Each "antagonistic pair" does have a corresponding "bridge population." For example, those who highly regard both Activism & Civility are often younger, non-partisan, and multiracial. Those with high regard for Patriotism & Racial Equity seem to live in "exurban" communities. By directing funds towards civic initiatives within these "bridge populations", I believe we can unleash an untapped source of creative potential for overcoming some of the tensions that continue to constrict public life in the United States.
Read more in my contribution to Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE)'s "Civic Language Perceptions Project", now live at Office of Citizen.