‘They don’t live where we live’: How communities hear each other in a divided country

NPR’s “Seeking Common Ground” project explored how Americans perceive and experience community in a divided nation. Through discussions with nearly 30 small groups across the country, facilitated by reporters from 10 NPR stations and supported by the nonprofit Cortico, the initiative sought to understand community dynamics beyond political labels.

Participants emphasized the importance of close-knit connections, often rooted in family, shared experiences, or identity. For example, Alba Lopez from Kansas City, Kansas, challenged stereotypes about her immigrant neighborhood, while others, like Colorado rancher Brady Pearson, addressed misconceptions about their professions or lifestyles.

Themes of being misunderstood or stereotyped were prevalent, as participants shared how labels often fail to capture their multifaceted lives. A Muslim doctor in Florida highlighted her love for Harry Potter, defying assumptions about her community, while a recent graduate in Colorado Springs navigated identities as both LGBTQ and a Second Amendment advocate.

The conversations revealed that individuals often belong to multiple, overlapping communities, from family groups to professional circles. This diversity within identities highlights a shared longing for understanding and connection, even amid societal divisions. Participants underscored the power of listening and shared experiences to bridge divides and build deeper, more empathetic relationships.

Source: NPR