The neuroscience of political sectarianism
To bridge our divides, we first need to understand them.
We can’t fix what we don’t understand. In an age of intolerance, we need to understand division.
That’s why I’m sending you a video about political sectarianism that I produced and hosted for The Washington Post. It’s packed with neuroscience and political science, and my cat Marmalade makes an appearance, so it checks that dopamine boost box, too.
(If you can’t see the video above, click on whatever you do see, and it should load.)
You’d think it was a new release if President Biden hadn’t dropped out of the election. Little has changed since the video’s 2020 debut — except that Vice President Harris is the Democratic candidate, U.S. democracy is more fragile due in part to disinformation and political violence fomented by former President Trump, and wars driven by intolerance in the Middle East and around the world have claimed hundreds of thousands more lives.
Here in America, people are acting like the 2024 election is the most important in history, which is how folks acted in 2020 and 2016. As if panicked voting alone will save us from ourselves. Voting is important, yes, but transforming the conditions that shape our personal and political wellbeing is the work of a lifetime. Recognizing trauma, acting on opportunities for healing, stopping cycles of conflict and division — this takes patience, practice and grace.
I’m constantly making mistakes on this journey and I often need to relearn lessons. That’s why I went back to watch this video. In it, I talk with
, a New York University psychology professor and co-author of , and Shanto Iyengar, director of Stanford University’s Political Communication Laboratory.They break down the ingredients of political sectarianism, which is where individuals not only dislike but actively hate the opposing political group. This happens with race and religion, too. We also discuss what a person like me or you can do about it. When so much seems beyond our control, I’m hoping this offers a sense of empowerment.
Let me know how it lands.
What bowled me over …
Your responses to my last few columns. I’ve received emails from many of you, showing there’s a hunger for these conversations but people aren’t quite sure how to have them publicly. I’m grateful for your encouragement and points of disagreement. You’re making me think and inspiring me to keep going. Thank you.
What I’d invite you to explore …
What I’d invite you to do …
Be a champion of Invisible Threads. This is not a hobby. It’s a movement. I believe an educated, empathetic electorate can and will create the conditions for intergenerational wellbeing. Solutions journalism is a big part of this, and we shouldn’t expect writers and storytellers to be unpaid, or to dilute complex problems into self-help issues.
I left The Washington Post in December as part of a wave of job cuts across the industry and, honestly, it was a bit of a relief. I’ve spent my entire career in newsrooms where burnout, moral injury and trauma are just part of the job. Covering mental health and democracy, I knew there had to be a better way.
That's why I started the Invisible Threads newsletter. I’m on a mission to uncover the drivers of our pain, power and joy, and I’m determined to build a community of readers who are committed to health and healing. If this resonates with you, there are lots of ways to help beyond financial support…
Engage: Leave thoughtful comments, ask questions, hit that like button. This increases visibility and helps build a more engaged community.
Recommend to others: Share Invisible Threads via social or email. Introduce the mission to people in your circles and encourage others to sign up. Word-of-mouth can be incredibly powerful.
Suggest partnerships and connections: Point out organizations, community groups and businesses that align with the mission, or even make introductions to people with newsletters, podcasts or philanthropic goals to protect independent journalism, democracy or mental health.
Collaborate: If you have skills such as graphic design, social media management, business development or fundraising and are looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities, let's connect! You can reach me at kate@katewoodsome.com.
Provide feedback: Offer insights on content and messaging to help refine the approach and better engage audiences.
Be gentle with yourself: The ripple effects are real.