Des Moines Register

As we approach the upcoming change in governmental leadership, one thing is certain: We could use more civility in politics.

If you were to ask someone to sum up the 2016 election in a word, the last response you’d expect to hear is “civil.” Depending on the perspective, the 2016 presidential election may be described as momentous, heartbreaking, interesting or baffling, but there is little doubt many will also define it as one of the most contentious and controversial elections in U.S. history.

The 2016 election is over now, and it’s important to begin looking to the future. However, before we look too far ahead, we should reflect on the past. There are lessons to be learned from the 2016 election cycle, and perhaps the greatest of these can be distilled down to this: The tone of our politics, the actual rhetoric used by individuals involved and those discussing it, needs to improve.

How did we get to a place where voters, especially younger generation voters, characterize politics and entire elections by words like “partisan,” “dysfunction” or “polarized"? One oft-mentioned explanation for the increasingly negative rhetoric in politics is the development of the 24-hour news cycle. Ratings drive coverage of controversy and scandal by news outlets, and the reality of today’s mobile-based world feeds the demand for constant news updates at consumers’ fingertips.

Another less-mentioned, but increasingly relevant, cause may be the rise of social media and echo chambers. The theory goes that individuals on social media tend to associate with people and groups who share similar views while avoiding/defriending/blocking those with different views. As individuals become less exposed to alternate ideas or thoughts, they become less likely to empathize with alternative views and demonize their opposition. These echo chambers may then expand to the individual’s physical friend group, increasing the individual’s isolation from alternative viewpoints.

These are but two of many potential explanations for increasing negativity in American politics. What’s clear, though, is that the 2016 election has shown it is time to buck the negativity trend and bring civility back to politics. Bringing civility to politics isn’t about setting aside all differences; it’s about learning how to discuss and understand those differences in a civil manner so that politics and government can work better for its citizens.

First, we should look to define the source or sources of the trend. That process will require answering tough questions and evaluating ourselves on individual, group and societal levels. The task is anything but easy, but identifying the sources should allow quicker identification of solutions.

Once we begin to consider and identify the sources, we can start to identify solutions. For instance, being exposed to differing viewpoints and ideas can be frustrating and upsetting, whether it is in person, at an event or on Facebook. On the other hand, that same exposure may present a number of benefits, such as making it easier to identify different justifications for opposing viewpoints, generating understanding and empathy with those on the opposite side of issues, and promoting stronger arguments by learning from the strengths and weaknesses of opposing views.

It’s not too late for civility in politics. If you’re interested in the topic or discussing the solution, I’d encourage you to check out the Young Professionals Connection’s new Civility in Politics Series.

The Civility in Politics Series is a three-part series focusing on pairs of individuals from different sides of the political aisle who regularly work together to accomplish mutual goals while setting aside their opposing political beliefs. The first event in the three-part series was held Nov. 30, and featured a moderated discussion with Tim Albrecht and Brad Anderson, two veteran Iowa political operatives.

If you’re interested in civility in politics, hearing concrete examples of civility at work, or joining the community discussion, I’d encourage you to keep an eye on the Young Professionals Connection’s calendar at www.ypcdsm.com for the second part of the series in early 2017.

JOSH STRIEF is an attorney with Elverson Vasey Law Firm and resides in Clive. He is the 2016 Civic and Culture Chair of the Young Professionals Connection, but notes that the views expressed in this article are his own and not representative of any organization or business.