Awkward Voices: How Storytelling Challenges Preconceived Notions to Lessen Affective Polarization in American Politics

Authors

Charlie A. Gee, Macalester CollegeFollow

Abstract

The United States is no stranger to violence, whether it be in the past or the present, structural or physical. In recent years, however, tensions within the country have increased, particularly between political parties. Operating under the philosophy that a better world cannot be built upon the mistakes of the past, and that peace is a radical act, it is necessary to urgently address this polarization in order to prevent further violence. This article explores the question of whether storytelling between conflicting groups is a method to address these issues.

This paper is divided into two central parts. The first section outlines the problem of polarization. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of American Studies, I use theories of peace and conflict studies to outline how polarization is the predecessor to violence and war. I cite research in psychology to examine how dehumanization plays a role in violence and is a product of polarization. Then, I utilize research in political science to establish why political polarization (as opposed to other divisions in society, such as race, gender, or class) is a concern. Additionally, I differentiate between ideological and affective polarization, and examine what their measured levels in the United States illustrate. I look at all of this information through the American Studies lenses of analyzing systems of power, solving systemic issues, and the roles of race, gender, and class. This leads into the second part of the paper, which presents storytelling as a solution. It addresses the potential for storytelling to be both destructive and constructive. Many of what are known as “post-conflict” societies have had extensive, detailed experiences with storytelling on both sides that were meaningful for healing; from these examples I outline how storytelling can be practiced in order for it to be constructive, and the limits of storytelling as a method. I end with storytelling of my own, from examples in my own life and across the United States that showcase the power of storytelling.

Author Biography

Charlie A. Gee (they/them) is majoring in American Studies, with minors in Environmental Science and Geography. After graduation, they hope to work in education, environmental advocacy, queer youth support, or any peacebuilding endeavor.

Recommended Citation

Gee, Charlie A. (2026) "Awkward Voices: How Storytelling Challenges Preconceived Notions to Lessen Affective Polarization in American Politics," Tapestries: Interwoven voices of local and global identities: Vol. 15: Iss. 1, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/tapestries/vol15/iss1/3

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.