Over the past few years, politics has created a major division in the United States. With it being an election year, that division is growing more and more, and many people find it hard to foster relationships with people who have different ideologies than them. Studies show that 86% of Americans say it has made dating harder, and some of them would not even consider dating someone on the other side of the political spectrum. Whether it’s a romantic relationship or even a familial relationship, politics is creating barriers for people.
But what if people could get along and find a common ground, despite their political differences?
Author and journalist Jim Hight proves that people can still recognize their humanity and overcome political obstacles in his novel, “Moon Over Humboldt.”
“In this season of bitter conflict, many Americans long for stories of people coming together to find their common humanity with those they oppose politically. In my novel Moon Over Humboldt, Bill, a conservative logger, and Jonah, an environmental activist, cross paths in a 12-step program and find in each other a kindred spirit who could help each man rebuild a life shattered by addiction and loss—if they can navigate their differences.”
Hight focuses more on peoples’ similarities rather than their differences. Similarities are what brings people together, while differences are meant to divide. Finding a common ground puts both people on an equal level, and takes politics out of the equation. When politics are taken out, it opens up a whole new avenue for growth between people, because they see each other’s uniqueness. Politics puts people on a specific pedestal, and people need to step down in order for connections to prosper.
Hight also uses his own experiences to emphasize how finding a common ground unites people. Whether it is similar backgrounds, hobbies, interests or experiences, finding the humanity in people brings them closer.
“Like Bill and Jonah, I met people in 12-step programs whose political views were very different from mine. I came to love and appreciate them as fellow travelers on a shared journey of recovery, just as they came to love and appreciate me.”
“Moon Over Humboldt” also draws on the themes of perspectives.
What if people can be listeners and truly hear other peoples’ point of views? What if people can put aside their differences and focus on supporting one another?
Hight addresses these questions, and focuses on the good in people. Differences are all around us, but it’s how we come together that matters. In our world of political division, it’s important to practice unity and compromise, instead of promoting hate and indifference. Even though people have differences, they actually have more in common with people on other sides of the aisle than they might realize.
“These experiences have taught me that when we set aside our stereotypes and deeply listen to someone whose views we may find abhorrent, we usually discover common core values and concerns for our country. This is the spirit in which I wrote this novel, and I look forward to discussing this theme.”
Jim Hight’s debut novel hits the shelves in August, and dives deeper into topics of political division and the challenges of finding a common ground. He draws upon his own experiences to bring his characters to life, and helps the audience reflect on their own lives.
Our world is now more politically divided than ever. What if people focused on the good, instead of the bad? What if people actually listened to each other? Hight emphasizes the need for people to work together instead of separately. Finding common ground might be easier than you think.
