DIVISION, INTOLERANCE, AND CONFLICT

A clear introduction to the climate around recent U.S. dissension.

Kallen thoughtfully elucidates multiple causes—including the Covid-19 pandemic, cable news shows, social media, and racism—that have contributed to negative shifts in Americans’ behavior. He also offers advice on preserving mental health and avoiding becoming addicted to feelings of anger. In a chapter on media, the author shows how Rush Limbaugh, whose talk radio show normalized incivility; Rupert Murdoch, who founded Fox News; and Donald Trump, who routinely used name-calling and other reality TV strategies, all promoted attention-seeking as a supreme goal. Citing experts’ analyses and including anecdotes about ordinary people, Kallen shows how tribalism and a lack of perspective, often stemming from partial awareness of issues and consumption of biased media, increase misunderstandings and political division. The final chapter, “Stepping Back From Anger,” covers topics such as book bans and school board battles over curriculum as well as de-escalating and civility-enhancing initiatives like workshops and podcasts. Threats targeting women and the unfair application of anti-protest laws to communities of color are mentioned. Unfortunately, despite citing a study showing that 96% of Black Lives Matter protests were peaceful, the photo illustrating a protest against the police killing of George Floyd shows a police car on fire. Sidebars with quotes and useful background information supplement the accessible text, making this a useful overview of a timely subject.

Contextual and informative, with positive suggestions to reduce vitriol and preserve American pluralism.