An airline recently tackled Americans’ polarization head-on by challenging passengers to come to a unanimous agreement before their plane touched down.
Category Archives: Finding Common Ground
Native American Pow Wows Celebrate Patriotism, Unity
Learn about the traditions shared by the many different nations and tribes of modern Native Americans.
The Orchestra Playing for Peace
The World Orchestra for Peace brings together the best musicians from around the world to play in the spirit of peace and unity, even if that means the musicians are from warring countries. Learn about this remarkable group, and watch a video of its performance in Jerusalem.
How the homeless create homes
Although some people may view the homeless as very different from themselves, we all find ways to make a place for ourselves in the world.
Inside These Lines
Football is promoted with taglines about “battles,” but a recent advertisement focuses instead on unity, regardless of which uniform a player wears.
Importance of cultural education—through the eyes of a former ROTC cadet
Read about why understanding and showing respect for local culture is especially important in a war zone.
How 2 California Legislators Are Working Together to Find The Political Center
However politically polarized we may sometimes seem, it is possible to find common ground.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a powerful reminder of the toll of war. Learn about the Wall, the service members whose names are listed there, and other tributes at this website maintained by Vietnam war veterans.
Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy
One way we find common ground with others is by imagining ourselves in their circumstances. Reading novels and stories that put us into a character’s thoughts can develop our ability to make connections in the real world.
Why Getting to Know Your Neighbors Is More Important Than You Realize
In some neighborhoods, people barely make eye contact before locking the door behind them. Here are some of the benefits of taking a different approach.
America’s Tipping Point: Most of U.S. Now Multicultural, Says Group
A careful analysis of census data shows that people whose ancestors immigrated from Europe will soon be a minority in the United States.
9/11 Memorial
Though paralyzing and devastating to the nation, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, also served to unite its citizens. Ten years later, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened to the public. At this site, you can learn about the design and construction of the memorial, access a webcam to view it, take a virtual tour, and explore the museum’s collections.
Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum
Learn more about the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history and how Americans came together afterward to heal and remember.
Olympic refugee team greeted as heroes on return to Kenya camp
One of the most inspiring stories of the 2016 Summer Olympics was that of the Refugee Olympic Team. Read about how five of these athletes were welcomed back to the refugee camp where they grew up and what the future holds for them.
Is Abraham Lincoln the Most Unifying President in U.S. History?
After an election, a president must work to bring together the opposing sides. See the results of a poll concerning who Americans think has succeeded at that task.
Native American ‘Warriors’ Mark Military Service
A surprisingly large proportion of Native Americans serve in the United States military. Find out why.
Gypsies, Roma, Travellers: An Animated History
The Roma people, sometimes called gypsies, are scattered across the globe but tied together by both shared heritage and the shared experience of prejudice.
Reel Life: The mesmerizing saga of “56 Up”
In the early 1960s, a young filmmaker named Michael Apted worked on a television documentary about how a group of seven-year-olds from different classes viewed their lives. “7 Up” was followed by “14 Up,” “21 Up,” and so on, checking in with the same group of subjects every seven years. Apted’s extraordinary look at ordinary lives continues with “56 Up.”
Alexander Gardner: The mysteries of the Civil War’s photographic giant
Chances are, if you’ve seen a Civil War-era photograph, it was credited to photographer Mathew Brady. However, that photo was most likely actually taken by Alexander Gardner, who went on to document the American West.
What Explains the Rise of Humans?
Other animals have intelligence, cooperation, and the use of tools, but only humans have imagination. This key trait allows us to treat abstract things like money, religion, and nations as though they are concrete, leading to our domination of the planet.