Where do you sit? Centrism- Part 2

Amid the rise in populism, extremism,
and polarisation, centrism
is frequently dismissed.

Too poorly defined,
too short on passion,
too weak to serve
as an effective response.

Centrists believe in incomplete answers
as part of an imperfect world;
those seemingly partial solutions
help us continue living together
by creating a shared narrative,
a tolerance and understanding
of differing points of view.

The fear that drives populist politics is real.
People who feel a true sense of loss
for a world that once was,
or genuine anxiety about the world
that is coming, are drawn to those
who offer simplistic solutions,
especially if no one else
is willing to take those fears seriously.

An embrace of complexity
and a commitment to honesty
about the challenges we face are
what make centrism the antidote
to populism and, with it, extremism
and polarisation.

It is why centrism is anathema
to the extremes that seek
to address every issue
through the lens of partisan purity tests.

A change of pace and perspective again this week - Part 2 of 3.

This piece was inspired by an article I read a short while ago: ‘The Center Must Hold: Why centrism offers a dramatic break from the trajectory of politics across the world.’ By Yair Zivan.

Dream intentionally - while you’re awake