The fifth session of the Bridging the Divide series centered around trust: something many argue is lacking in American society and governmental institutions. The discussion was moderated by Anne Thompson, NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent and included guest Pete Buttigieg, Mayor of South Bend, Ind., for two terms from 2012-2020. The aim of this session was to respectfully wrestle with issues confronting American society and politics such as trust and transparency in American’s government.
The first topic of discussion focused on credible information and how to allow for respectful dialogue. Buttigieg explained how people are so deeply entrenched in their own corners that when discussions do happen, there is less listening and more shouting past others. Furthermore, he highlighted that it is very important to interact with people who are different from you and take up opportunities to get out of one’s usual circle. But, he added, it is very difficult to do this with the pandemic, causing more divisions and less opportunity for respectful conversations. Additionally, Buttigieg emphasized how people need to pay closer attention to where they are getting their information and ensure that these sources are credible as the lines between news and ideological views are becoming more blurred in the digital environment. Thompson echoed this idea by emphasizing that there are never only two sides to a story; there are many sides and viewpoints to a topic that people need to become more aware of.
Another key topic discussed regarded what needs to be done to bridge the gap between political parties. Buttigieg shared how he thinks there needs to be more shared experiences that are not political. He explained that this is why universities and towns are so important because they are spaces that bring people together from different backgrounds, creating a sense of diversity. Additionally, Buttigieg shared his fondness of service and its ability to create trust between those who are radically different politically or economically. He emphasized how venturing into spaces where there are people from different political and social backgrounds allows for people to understand different attitudes and develop a connection with people who differ from them. Furthermore, this creates a baseline shared experience of connecting with other Americans that has the ability to make people feel more connected, therefore creating a more respectful and cooperative environment.
The discussion closed with Buttigieg sharing how the country needs to go through a process of truth telling and transparency in order to restore trust at an individual and institutional level. Just like people we love, as Buttigieg explained, we must find and develop ways to restore trust in our institutions. This can be done by venturing into spaces where not everyone is aligned politically or socially, but great understanding and respect among different attitudes can be created, as Buttigieg emphasized. Buttigieg closed the discussion by highlighting that the next generation has only lived through turmoil and political distrust, causing a combination of deep skepticism and a desire to get things done. As Buttigieg reminded people, this empowered generation will dominate the next era of society and politics, making them stronger and more trustworthy. Such progress will be done by continuing discussions, such as this one, in which important topics are conversed respectfully and with an open mind.
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