Rural Nebraskans concerned about lack of civil discourse

A recent University of Nebraska-Lincoln Rural Poll revealed that 69% of rural Nebraskans view the lack of civil discourse in the political system as a serious problem, with 29% rating it as “very serious.” The poll, conducted by Rural Prosperity Nebraska, is an annual effort to gauge rural Nebraskans’ opinions on key issues. These findings reflect a growing concern about the state of political dialogue, a sentiment that mirrors national trends and highlights the deepening divisions in American politics.

According to the poll, 67% of respondents believe Americans are much more politically divided, while 27% say divisions have increased somewhat. While these results are not unexpected, they are nonetheless troubling. As L.J. McElravy, associate professor of leadership at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explained, “The public relies on our political leaders to collaborate on critical issues… political divisiveness would seem to make this an increasingly difficult challenge.” His remarks underscore a fundamental issue: without civil discourse and cooperation among leaders, addressing major societal concerns becomes exceedingly challenging.

The survey also reveals that over 80% of rural Nebraskans expect the upcoming presidential campaigns and media coverage to worsen political divisions. Fifty-three percent anticipate that media coverage will significantly heighten polarization, while 37% believe the campaigns themselves will intensify divisions. The skepticism toward federal elections contrasts with perceptions of state elections, where fewer respondents expect rising tensions. These views reflect a broader national frustration with the sensationalism of federal election coverage, which many feel prioritizes conflict over meaningful debate.

Despite this negative outlook on political discourse, personal relationships remain relatively resilient in rural Nebraska. A reassuring 86% of respondents report having friends with differing political views. Rural communities are traditionally close-knit, and it appears that for many, politics does not pose an insurmountable barrier to maintaining personal connections. However, political divisions have still affected some relationships. About 27% of respondents report that they are no longer on speaking terms with certain family members, and 28% say the same about friends, due to political disagreements.

The divisions are most pronounced among younger respondents. Thirty-eight percent of rural Nebraskans aged 19 to 29 say they no longer speak with certain family members because of political differences, compared to about a quarter of those aged 30 and older. Additionally, people living in larger communities are more likely to experience these types of relationship breakdowns than those in smaller towns. Heather Akin, assistant professor of agricultural and environmental sciences communication, noted, “Rural communities are known for being tight-knit… however, we still see tangible consequences of political divisions, where respondents are no longer able to talk with friends or family members because of politics.”

The lack of civil discourse and its impact on relationships highlights a deeper issue affecting both Nebraska and the nation as a whole. Civil discourse is essential for democracy, allowing the exchange of ideas and encouraging collaboration on critical challenges. The poll’s findings suggest growing frustration with the polarized and often hostile political environment, a frustration that rural Nebraskans share with the broader American public.

Policymakers and community leaders must recognize the urgency of fostering respectful discourse and creating spaces where differing views can be shared without fear of alienation or hostility. Without such efforts, the political divides threatening relationships, both personal and civic, will continue to grow, making it harder to bridge the gaps in our democracy.

As the 2024 election approaches, rural Nebraskans—and all Americans—should remember the value of dialogue and the importance of maintaining relationships, even when political differences arise. Respectful discourse is essential to preserving both personal connections and the democratic process.