Political violence is a symptom of a dysfunctional society and a direct assault on the very foundation of our democracy. Americans often have disagreements, but there has been an underlying respect and understanding that our identity as Americans comes before any party affiliation and that violence is never acceptable.

The history of our country and the reasons for political violence are complicated. However, we all see it happening in front of our faces. Once each of us creates an identity that has more to do with what we believe is “best” for America versus the overall health of our nation, that creates a stereotype and demonized image of our enemy, which pits “us against them.”

Aasha Thomas is a Ph.D. candidate at Nova Southeastern University studying conflict analysis and resolution. (courtesy, Aasha Thomas, photography by Warner-Prokos Photography)

This kind of fear and hatred becomes even more potent and immediate in this age of technology. Social media bleeds confirmation bias, and when groups of people begin to hold honest beliefs, even based on falsities, that their way of life or even identity as an American is in danger, it is a short and dangerous jump from angry words to angry actions. Feeling unheard or as if the rules of the game are rigged against you fuels anger, an anger that can be easily manipulated, particularly by those in leadership positions who offer easy, often dangerous, solutions to big problems.

Political violence isn’t just about people getting angry; it’s also a sign that our shared rules and systems are struggling. Our democratic institutions, including the court system, the media and even the way we run elections, are like the referees and the rule book in a game. If people stop trusting the rules, or if leaders start to ignore them, then the rules get tossed aside, the entire system becomes chaotic, and people use force to get what they want. Watch any episode of any reality TV show to watch this play out in a 43-minute microcosm.

When people are scared that their political rivals might get violent, they are less likely to have honest conversations or find ways to compromise. This fear makes it hard to talk about important things and find solutions. It also creates a cycle of revenge, where one act of violence leads to another, and the whole nation can spiral into chaos.

Violence sends the message that being the strongest is more important than being fair. This makes political life a win-or-lose battle, where the only goal is to crush the other side. The long-term cost is a society that is broken, anxious and unable to solve its biggest problems together.

Whether it’s a big protest that turns into a riot or a single person attacking someone with a different opinion, political violence hurts everyone. It doesn’t just leave physical scars; it breaks down trust, divides communities, and makes people afraid of each other. In our fast-paced world, where we’re always connected, it feels like these disagreements are getting more intense. This is why we need to double down on our belief in talking things out, respecting others, and making sure our systems work, so that we can have a future where we solve problems with words, not with violence.

The political violence that has taken over both the right and the left ideologies in this nation has risen to a level that must be addressed. The solution isn’t one simple fix, but a long and tough process of healing and rebuilding. Just as the passengers of a plane look to the pilot, the children in a divorce look to the parents, American citizens look to the president. The leader of this country is not setting a tone of calm and unity but stoking the fires of division. It’s up to those who respect him, and those he respects, to call out that behavior. Those seen as adversaries cannot do it.

By tackling the reasons behind the violence, strengthening our institutions, and building a culture of respect and dialogue, we can start to turn things around. The future of our democracy depends on our decision to reject hate and destruction and to embrace peace, reason and cooperation. It’s a fight we must all join, with kindness as our shield and conversation as our main tool.

Aasha Thomas, J.D., is a Ph.D. candidate at Nova Southeastern University in Davie studying conflict analysis and resolution.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/10/05/how-we-learn-to-talk-again-instead-of-fighting-opinion/