Sarah Stitzlein at Inside Higher Ed:
The recently released State of the Nation project concluded that “A gnawing sense of angst seems to have descended upon us. We seem polarized and distrustful, worried and pessimistic.” Faculty and students reflect those trends. As faith in democracy erodes and political divisions deepen, many professors and students are left wondering, “What can I do?” While some are quick to join in a long history of campus activism, others are increasingly concerned about the risky implications of participating in protests, or feel cynical that any sort of effort would even make a difference. Still others are seeking different ways to have a positive impact.
Research shows that some of the simplest things a person can do are also among the most significant: exercising humility and listening. As a philosopher of education who works to improve civic life, I know that these everyday habits are things that we can revive and nurture formally in our classrooms and informally on our campuses. At a time when so many feel bogged down by frustration, fear and anger, being more intentional in these everyday activities on our campuses can be a powerful tool for democratic renewal.