The Epidemic of Hatred
Politics and the Loss of Compassion
In 1999, I ran my first political campaign in a small state district in New Jersey. It wasn’t long after what was arguably one of the nastiest campaigns in state history (Zimmer v. Torricelli). That experience sparked my curiosity about why negativity is so effective in campaigns.
To put it simply, negativity grabs attention in a sea of noise and distraction. It stirs emotions, energizes voters, and drives them to the ballot box. But, you probably already know that.
Fast forward to today, and negativity isn’t just a tactic—it’s the defining feature of modern elections. The closer the race, the sharper the attacks. But what used to be limited to candidates trading barbs has metastasized into something far worse: a culture of hate that seeps into everyday life.
It’s a visceral hatred that fractures friendships, families, even marriages. Over the past two decades, the rise of social media has only amplified this trend. Behind the anonymity of a screen, people feel emboldened to insult, demean, and dismiss one another with abandon.
Consider this: we’ll yell at the driver who cuts us off, but if that “jerk” turns out to be a coworker or neighbor, our anger often dissolves. As researcher Brené Brown puts it, “It’s hard to hate people close up.” The barrier of a car window—or a screen—offers misplaced courage. It’s armor that protects us from vulnerability while fueling an epidemic of hostility.
In the process, we’ve lost something vital — our compassion and our capacity for meaningful conversation. Media narratives fan the flames of division, while curated social media feeds reinforce echo chambers. The romanticized American spirit—the one rooted in resilience and unity—has been replaced by comment wars and fleeting dopamine hits from likes and shares.
Maybe this is just another growing pain in our evolution as a nation. Or maybe it’s a symptom of something deeper — the unraveling of our social fabric. My college-aged, first-time voter suggests it’s the final stage in our decline as a global leader.
Whatever the case, I’m committed to stepping outside my own algorithm. I’m seeking out unlikely news sources, reading opposing viewpoints, and forcing myself to understand perspectives that challenge my own. I’ll share some of that here—not to change your mind, but to give you a glimpse of the world your algorithm might not show you.
The second half of that Brené Brown quote goes: “Move in. Speak truth to bullshit. Be civil. Hold hands. With strangers. Strong back, soft front, wild heart.”
It won’t be easy, but I’m going to try. Maybe you’ll join me.