What we get wrong about political violence in the U.S.
What we get wrong about political violence in the U.S.
What we get wrong about political violence in the U.S.
In the wake of a recent political shooting, fears about rising violence in the U.S. have intensified, but the reality may be more nuanced than public perception suggests. While isolated incidents spark national anxiety, data reveals a different story about American attitudes toward political conflict.
Despite heightened concerns, political violence in the U.S. remains rare and largely carried out by individuals without coherent ideological backing. Research shows most Americans reject violence, even amid deep polarization. Misinformation and sensational media coverage exaggerate both the frequency of such acts and public support for them, creating a distorted sense of crisis. Compared to other democracies, the U.S. ranks lower in tolerance for political violence. Although inflammatory rhetoric from prominent figures dominates headlines, many leaders advocate unity—voices often drowned out by outrage-driven media ecosystems. The path forward lies in intentional civic engagement: supporting de-escalatory leaders, practicing critical media consumption, and recognizing that most people across the political spectrum share a desire for stability. By focusing on rational discourse and withdrawing attention from outrage-based platforms, citizens can help reduce tensions and strengthen democratic resilience.
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06:21
Fewer than 2% of Americans find politically-motivated murder acceptable across party lines
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12:29
Only a small group of attention-seekers use violent political rhetoric; most officials do their jobs quietly.
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18:54
Trump's inflammatory remarks get more attention than calls for dialogue
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