Where Mississippians can find common ground despite the challenges threatening to divide us 

The mainstream story of polarization tells us that we’re extra totally different than comparable. However that merely isn’t true.

Polarization: It’s a phrase that we hear within the information, however it’s also a actuality that we stay every single day in Mississippi. 

Take Jackson, probably the most politically segregated metropolis in America. Residents of the town itself not solely vote reverse those that stay in suburbs like Richland, however they may not even work together personally with one another in any respect. We see an analogous dynamic at work between our rural and concrete residents. And when between 1 / 4 and over a 3rd of voters assume the opposite social gathering is a menace to the nation, these political variations mix with geographic segregation to harden divisions between us. “These individuals” develop into “the issue.” 

The Magnolia State suffers when division breeds mistrust and animosity. That’s why the Mississippi chapter of Individuals for Prosperity Basis is launching a brand new initiative, Diverge Mississippi: Bridging Communities By Information. 

Our initiative encourages Mississippians to kind relationships with individuals from a various vary of backgrounds and beliefs. These relationships can’t solely break down the mistrust that exists between individuals from totally different backgrounds however may also assist them strengthen their communities by discovering frequent floor. 

After partnering with hard-working individuals from throughout the state, we all know that folks in Mississippi share some frequent aspirations, regardless of the place they’re from. They need a well-paying job. They need to have the ability to present for his or her household and put away a bit of for retirement.  They need to entry inexpensive and high-quality well being care. And so they need a authorities that responds to their wants. 

The mainstream story of polarization tells us that we’re extra totally different than comparable. However that merely isn’t true. And we notice this reality not when scrolling by our Fb feed however when assembly with individuals head to head, listening to their tales, and appreciating their aspirations and fears. 

Even sure coverage points can present a spot for frequent floor once we are capable of hear and share with one another. Schooling is a working example. We are able to all rejoice that Mississippi’s highschool commencement charge has reached an all-time excessive. And we all know that schooling is crucial to prosperity: Mississippians with a bachelor’s diploma make almost twice what these with out a high-school diploma make. 

But we additionally know that every youngster is totally different and requires an schooling that matches the kid’s particular wants. Perhaps some can actually profit from a standard public faculty and bachelor’s diploma. Perhaps one other would do greatest in an alternate highschool resulting in an apprenticeship in a commerce. 

However a sturdy schooling does extra than simply present a launchpad for a job – though it actually ought to try this. It expands our minds, exposing us to totally different concepts, totally different cultures, and even totally different experiences with totally different varieties of individuals. A well-rounded schooling, in different phrases, begins to interrupt down the divisions that we’re seeing in Mississippi. Information has the ability to bridge communities. 

Now we have discovered that many people share the identical needs round different points too, and that’s as a result of we now have the identical foundational needs. All of us need the chance to thrive. All of us need the prospect to pursue our desires. All of us need to lead a satisfying life. And all of us need communities round us that care. 

However we are able to solely obtain this stuff once we work collectively to create communities and a state that work effectively for all. Division and polarization deepen mistrust, however cooperation creates communities that pursue the frequent good. 

And cooperation requires data – not solely data of concepts, however of actual individuals. It’s important that we get to know one another in order that we are able to transfer past the stereotypes towards actual options that bridge our variations. 

Individuals for Prosperity Basis is wanting ahead to bridging communities in Mississippi by data by bringing collectively individuals from numerous backgrounds. Will you be part of us?