America faces two years with the Home of Representatives below Republican management whereas the Democratic majority retains the Senate. A cut up authorities like this implies bipartisanship shall be needed to handle our nation’s issues. But, we Individuals have by no means been extra divided, and the vitriol in our political discourse is larger than ever.
We have to repair the tone and tenor of the political conversations that we now have with each other. That’s the place BattlePACs, a brand new on-line platform for political discourse, is available in. By utilizing the tried-and-true ideas of gamification, BattlePACs goals to make debate not simply productive once more but in addition enjoyable and rewarding. When extra Individuals have interaction in politics, we are going to see larger voting charges and a stronger democracy general.
A long time in the past, Democrats and Republicans may disagree with out being unpleasant. The events would additionally work collectively on points the place there was frequent floor. In the present day, nevertheless, the political opposition is handled as an enemy. All too usually, our political discourse revolves extra round entrenched partisan views and destroying the opposite facet slightly than discovering options to the nation’s issues.
This zero-sum view of politics inhibits collaborative policymaking that advantages everybody. It additionally fails to replicate the nation as a complete. Many individuals really feel omitted of the present political system as voices from the political extremes usually drown out independents and moderates from each events. Younger individuals additionally could discover it tough to interrupt into an entrenched and polarized political system that doesn’t serve their pursuits. Residents of all political stripes have turn out to be disillusioned with the gridlock and dysfunction in our politics.
A part of the issue has been social media. These platforms have performed a task in fueling acrimony and worsening divisions in immediately’s political ambiance. Social media platforms, and the algorithms that drive them, funnel people into ideological bubbles the place customers largely see content material with which they already agree. This affirmation bias contributes to polarization in our politics as a result of Democrats hardly ever have interaction with Republicans and vice versa. In the meantime, independents can really feel omitted completely. One other aligned problem is the proliferation of particular extremely partisan legacy media platforms that exploit and amplify this battle.
BattlePACs is a platform that promotes dialog about political points amongst individuals of various viewpoints. Basically, it constitutes a brand new political ecosystem, which presents an thrilling alternative to reimagine how residents have interaction each other. Everyone seems to be invited to take part in BattlePACs, supplied they comply with some primary guidelines to advertise civil discourse.
Relatively than perpetuating battle, BattlePACs will encourage residents to succeed in throughout the aisle and pay attention to at least one one other. It will likely be a neighborhood the place individuals can have interaction as their genuine selves slightly than caricatures based mostly on ignorance or worry. Individuals will be capable of determine shared values and issues throughout occasion strains. Since everybody will really feel snug expressing themselves in an environment of mutual respect, measured and constructive political conversations will take maintain.
If america continues alongside its present path, the battle and acrimony in our politics will solely worsen. This inhibits actual, substantive progress on necessary points, turns residents in opposition to each other, and tears on the material of our nation.
BattlePACs’ dynamic, various and thriving neighborhood opens up a protected area for political discussions. The inclusive nature of BattlePACs is mirrored in our outreach efforts. We’re actively inviting residents of all political stripes — particularly younger individuals — to affix our neighborhood and make their voices heard.
College students who display a ardour for partaking in conversations surrounding the problems in our nation also needs to contemplate making use of for our new scholarship fund, the place your participation on social media may qualify you for as much as a yr’s tuition.
BattlePACs takes the dream of a perfect public sphere and brings it to life. Politics won’t ever be the identical, and America will profit.
Aaron Rafferty is co-founder and CEO of BattlePACs. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
