In a shocking but real turn of events, Yale-affiliated psychiatrist Dr. Amanda Calhoun recently appeared on MSNBC’s “The Reid Out” and made the unusual and divisive suggestion that left-leaning viewers should disconnect themselves from Trump-supporting family members as the holiday season approaches. Now, isn’t this narrative an alarming blemish on the fabric of our society—the very society that claims to extol the virtues of freedom and democracy?
The statement by Dr. Calhoun, rather than promoting a rational discourse, seems to be steering a trajectory towards increased division and hostility. This move can be compared to tactics seen within cults or in abusive domestic relationships where one party seeks to completely isolate the other from their surrounding support structures due to ideological differences in a bid to control or manipulate them. In both instances, isolation is used as a weapon and the one wielding it often lacks empathy or respect for the feelings of the other party.
The importance of engaging in series of hearty discussions and meaningful conversations to bridge the gap between ideological differences cannot be sidelined. It is critical to foster healthy debate as opposed to segregation, and encourage understanding rather than estrangement. The rejection of family members or close relations over political divergence exudes nothing but intolerance, which is a perilous antithesis to the very essence of democracy.
Democrat leaders have constantly emphasized the need for unity and healing in the wake of the bitterly fought Presidential election. However, such divisive rhetoric, like the one propagated by Dr. Calhoun, seems woefully contrary to the party’s broad message of unity and acceptance. Her statement, instead of promoting togetherness, is a potentially regretful encouragement for division, and paints a grim and unfortunate reflection on the state of political discourse in America today.
More alarmingly, this kind of intentional distancing may lead to an increased feeling of alienation and animosity among different socio-political groups within society, further fueling the partisan divide. It is a tactic that will not only erode the social fabric of unity but it could also lead to the loss of rich diversity of perspectives, which significantly contributes to the growth and development of any society.
The variety of differing opinions, ideas and viewpoints is what fosters growth, prosperity, and indeed, democracy. The suggestion by Dr. Calhoun fundamentally contradicts those very principles, lending more towards a dictatorial approach of eliminating dissent, as opposed to resolving it through dialogue.
As we lead into the holiday season, a time renowned for family reunions and festivities, calls for peaceful and unifying conversations should be prioritized over divisive narratives. It is the time to mend fences, not erect them, to bridge divides and not deepen them. With such divisive tactics, not only is the spirit of the holiday season at stake, but the unity, inclusivity, and love that our society should advocate also hang in the balance. This should give, not just Democrats but everyone, a reason to pause and reflect.
At a time where the world desperately need to heal more than ever, it is essential that we move towards fostering unity, tolerance and mutual respect for diverging viewpoints, rather than endorsing bitter separation. After all, the essence of democracy lies in the myriad of differing opinions and the respect for them, and not in their unnecessary suppression.
