BYU Speeches
Why America Went Crazy and How You Can Stay Sane | David French | 2024
Sep 25, 2024
David French, a columnist for the New York Times and bestselling author, shares insights on the polarization plaguing America. He emphasizes the urgent need for kindness and understanding to bridge divides. With personal anecdotes from his time as a reservist in Iraq, he illustrates how friendships can bloom in unexpected places, overcoming differences. French advocates for reaching out in love, inspired by teachings of Jesus, encouraging listeners to combat loneliness and hatred with empathy and compassion.
28:12
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Quick takeaways
- The increasing political animosity in America is fueled by lethal mass partisanship, which breeds a toxic climate for dialogue and understanding.
- Building diverse friendships and community ties is crucial to combat loneliness and political radicalization, encouraging a sense of belonging and purpose.
Deep dives
The Crisis of Hatred
Hatred is rampant in American society, creating a divisive atmosphere among different political factions. Research indicates that many Americans harbor strong negative feelings toward those with opposing political views, with 82% of Republicans and 79% of Democrats expressing some level of dislike for each other as far back as 2014. This animosity has escalated over time, leading to a disturbing phenomenon known as lethal mass partisanship, with about 20% of Americans seemingly indifferent to the well-being of those on the opposing side. Such hatred not only fuels political polarization but also fosters a toxic environment that discourages open dialogue and mutual understanding.
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