Rebuilding community
2 How to remove, in a very Marianist way, what divides us.
In a divided democracy, the signs of discord can be found everywhere. “Unfriend me” or “unfollow me” have been popular social media posts for distancing ourselves from those not holding the same beliefs.
Illustration by Brent Beck
With a click, we remove a point of possible conflict in our lives, and for a moment, we may even feel better. But we’re also removing a friend, family member, colleague or acquaintance and along with them, we lose an opportunity for understanding and growth.
There’s a better way to respond to this disconnect. The Marianists have modeled it since 1800, and the University of Dayton has embedded it in its education since its founding in 1850. Community building or rebuilding requires dialogue and dedication, with rewards for both neighborhood and nation.