Why is anyone looking for outrage?

There are a lot of untruths and superficial ideas at the top of conversations when people are considering who to vote for. And there are people, at least for now, who are willing to raise their hand high and vote based just on those things. But those things may not be true. Or they have nothing to do with policy.

And when something real happens that doesn’t have the desired outcome, someone has to be blamed! Even though the truth was right there, and they just didn’t want to believe it. They chose to believe something that wasn’t true, or not relevant. So, now what?

How about a new conversation? Maybe you build some bridges, sit at longer tables, and hold giant umbrellas. Wouldn’t that feel great?

I remember the first time I heard someone suggest that people are looking for outrage. Seeking it. Rolling out of bed in the morning thinking, what can I be angry about today? As if it’s something that should be on your to-do list. It’s what all the cool kids are doing these days. Flared jeans and fury.

It’s hurting us. It’s burning bridges, closing doors, and normalizing hate. It’s diminishing our chances of finding common ground, while it’s right there in front of us, if we just put down our swords.

I vote for more listening. Bigger tables, and looking for compassion instead of anger.

And circling back, when it comes to voting, consider this. You might not want to have a beer with that politician, or even like their pants, but maybe making sure the roads are safe is a bigger deal?

Nancy Flynn Youngkin, P2V Founder