Davos 2017 - The Great American Divide | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Americans are divided and being divided, but there is hope for unity through respectful disagreement and a focus on moral leadership.

Key Insights

• ➗ Americans are experiencing a lack of unity due to various divisions, including economic, cultural, racial, and religious divides.
• 😨 Technological advancements and the fear and anxiety they create are contributing to the current state of division.
• 💦 Millennials and teenagers are potential agents of change, as they prioritize meaningful work, ethics, and engagement in social issues.
• ☄️ Climate change and resource management could be potential areas where Americans can come together to address a common challenge.
• 🦮 The need for moral leadership is crucial in guiding Americans towards unity and addressing the underlying issues causing division.
• 🥺 Civic engagement and local solutions have the potential to build trust, bridge divides, and lead to greater unity.
• 😘 The ongoing low interest rate environment has exacerbated income inequality and hindered solutions, highlighting the need for innovative policies to address the wealth gap.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: Are Americans truly divided or are they being divided?

While there are inherent divisions, the current state of division is driven by the tools of division, such as social media, and the anger-inducing outrage industry.

Q: Can respectful disagreement be considered progress towards unity?

Yes, respectful disagreement is a step towards unity as it creates a space for conversation and understanding, moving away from the current trend of outrage and resolution.

Q: How can moral leadership bring Americans together?

Moral leadership, which focuses on elevating people and showcasing the authority to do big things together, is scarce but necessary for unity. It has the power to bring people together and inspire them on a meaningful journey.

Q: What is the role of local engagement in bringing about unity?

Local engagement can help bridge divides by creating meaningful projects and endeavors that address specific issues within communities. This can foster collaboration, build trust, and create a sense of unity.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Americans are divided between two visions: coastal/liberal/secular/economically mobile/educated vs. less urban/religious/conservative/blue collar.

• The current division is exacerbated by the rise of anger-driven industries and a lack of moral leadership.

• The lack of unity stems from an inequality of freedom and a decline in moral imagination, leading to a focus on outrage rather than conversation.