Civic Virus: Why Polarization Is a Misdiagnosis (2022)

About: A nationwide study prepared by The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation in partnership with the Kettering Foundation.

Author: Richard C. Harwood

Publish Date: 2021

Description: The constant message of polarization from news media, social media, and political leaders has become an explanation and an excuse for why we can't seem to address fundamental issues facing the country. But it misdiagnoses what ails us.

This report reveals that Americans don’t feel polarized or antagonistic toward one another. They feel isolated and disoriented, like they are trapped in a house of mirrors with no way out. They are in the grips of a perilous fight or flight response.

In a society that is breaking apart, we must give people safe passage to hope. There is no quick fix, but there are proven steps that can help us move forward. This report shows how.