As we reflect on one of the most consequential U.S. elections in our lifetime, emotions are running high. This election brought us a choice between division and polarization or unity and inclusion. Sadly, polarization seems to have won.
Following this election, The Winters Group hosted a virtual learning lab scheduled months in advance to create a space for open dialogue, reflection, and healing—no matter the outcome. Either way, we knew it would be important to bring people together to discuss a path forward. The contentious and divisive rhetoric surrounding the campaign was such that no matter who the winner was it would require some healing and a plan forward. The learning lab illuminated a range of emotions from participants, including despair, anger, fear, shock, grief, and sadness. It feels like inclusion and equity lost this time around, and work to strive for more equitable and just systems is about to be targeted and dismantled.
Understanding the Impact of Polarization
This is not about party lines. I want to be clear that The Winters Group values and respects different political views. What we do not value and respect is when those views infringe on common decency, civility, basic human rights and the very core of one’s humanity. When one’s views are steeped in white supremacy, racism, sexism, misogyny, and transphobia, we are compelled to vehemently denounce them and speak out. The Winters Group upholds a commitment to inclusion and equity, championing all individuals’ rights to respect and humanity.
Today, there is no shortage of topics that are divisive and polarizing— war, race, religion, politics, immigration, reproductive rights. When our identity feels under threat, we tend to retreat to ‘our own,’ reinforcing group beliefs and avoid other perspectives. We are also prone to herd mentality— a psychological phenomenon that describes the tendency of people to conform to the beliefs, behaviors, or attitudes of a group, rather than acting as individuals. When we feel threatened, we cannot be persuaded by reasoning and evidence. Herd mentality can lead people to vote based on a perceived threat to their identity. In an environment of heightened emotions, reasoned debates and exposure to differing views become less effective. This election reflects not just policy differences but deeper, more polarized beliefs about our social identities. The Harris campaign recognized this divide and hoped to bring people together with a message of unity and highlighting our common values.
Healing and Moving Forward Together
Where do we go from here? How do we move from this polarized society? The first step to overcoming polarization is to find common ground. We must focus on the values we have in common. No matter the outcome of this election, our commitment to advocating for more inclusive and equitable spaces must persist. There is power in our voice. There’s power in our actions. It may still be too soon for some to think about making a difference and continuing the fight for a more inclusive world when there’s still a fear of the unknown when the new administration takes office. But we know the people have the power, and there are enough of us who believe in the worth and dignity of all of us to keep the momentum going.
Here are some things we can do in the minutes, days, months, and years ahead to ensure that we continue to create a more inclusive and equitable future for ALL:
- Pause and reflect often. What am I feeling right now?
- Channel emotions into purpose.
- Reclaim language to foster greater understanding.
- Promote belonging for all in DEI efforts.
- Amplify shared values.
- Focus on what we stand for versus what we are against.
- Build stronger practitioner coalitions.
- Adopt an abundance rather than a scarcity mindset.
- Show the DEI value proposition.
- Align DEI with broader organizational goals.
- Engage locally for tangible impact.
- Prioritize self and community care.
This work requires all of us—today and beyond. Let’s commit to cultivating spaces where everyone can belong, empowered by our shared humanity.
“We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
