In the 21st century, Americans struggle to find common ground. Not just with political opinions, but also work, school, music and even social media. With such contradicting thoughts, Americans need to hone in on the craft of understanding differing viewpoints.

The United States has always been fueled by political discussion, but when it became a cause for hatred between Anti-Federalists and Federalists, George Washington warned citizens about political parties.

Although there were disagreements between the Founding Fathers, they deliberated peacefully and created the Constitution.

Distaste for other political parties has doubled since 1994, according to Pew Research. We consider our fellow citizens as threats to the nation and allow “ideological silos” to run rampant, meaning party members surround themselves with an echo chamber of people who share the same opinions.

Disagreements are expected with a population of 340 million people, but malicious comments based on someone’s ideology are what have brought America into such a “take-a-side” culture.

If Americans cannot consider each other’s opinions, what can be done? With a government shutdown on our hands, along with gridlock in Congress, no discussion can be started. 

The people are the foundation of a democracy, though, and citizens can solve political unrest.

Evaluating and exchanging alternating opinions can easily foster change in societal disputes. The United States continually functions off of differing voices as they’re making policy, debating legal matters and representing the people.

Instead of mudslinging accusations against differing ideologies, Americans can engage in respectful discussions of differing opinions and settle disputes through them, pushing forward a common cause that will allow us to bring succinct and established ideas to the government. 

We need to hold ourselves accountable for only seeing from the lens of our own experiences and biases. We the people of the United States need to work better as a population of knowledgeable and passionate voices, allowing us to make the nation better as a whole.

The Founding Fathers desired a “more perfect Union,” based on the preface of justice, tranquility, liberty and the wellbeing for the future of America. As citizens, we should honor their wishes, and embrace our differences