Five FAQs About “Taking Democracy for Granted”
My recent SNF Agora Institute report, “Taking Democracy for Granted: Philanthropy, Polarization, and the Need for Responsible Pluralism,” is prompting spirited exchanges. Multiple people have asked me some variant of the following five questions:
Isn’t the big problem here left-of-center philanthropists and the groups they support?
What if funders want to back power-building to end structural racism instead of bridge-building to support pluralism?
Are you saying advocates and activists have to engage with their ideological opponents?
What if the Cassandras are right and democracy is on the verge of dying?
If philanthropy is once again going to be key to defeating Donald Trump, doesn’t that end justify the means?
These are good questions! To broaden the conversation, I wanted to share the answers I have been giving.
Four Ways To Reframe Democracy in America
We need to pull the camera back and reframe democracy in America. We should do this not by glossing over sobering realities or including untested ideas, but rather by seeing age-old features of our democracy in a new light. This more holistic way of seeing democracy, in turn, illuminates ways to bring out its best features and counter the loneliness that is increasingly spreading within it.
Philanthropic Pluralism and Its Enemies
A recent statement by the leaders of six ideologically diverse institutions outlining and defending philanthropic pluralism underscores the power of this idea. It has also drawn intense criticism from those opposed to pluralism on the left and right alike.
Populism vs. Pluralism: The 2020 Election and Its Aftermath
The ransacking of the Capitol on January 6 marked a dramatic escalation in the struggle between populism and pluralism in the United States. Despite the shock of this event, pluralism may be gaining the upper hand.
What Good Is Christianity in a Diverse Society?
Michael Wear and Amy Black explore promising new territory in their recent report, “Christianity, Pluralism, and Public Life in the United States: Insights from Christian Leaders.”