PBS NewsHour - Robert Putnam reflects on how America became so polarized and what can unify the nation

🤖 AI Summary

Historical Shift: Putnam’s research shows a shift from connection and cooperation to isolation, distrust, and inequality [00:25].
Bowling Alone: Increasing social isolation since the 1960s negatively impacts civic engagement [01:39].
Social Isolation and Populism: Isolation makes people vulnerable to populist appeals [02:23].
Growing Inequality: The widening gap between different groups contributes to division [02:54].
Parallels to the Gilded Age: Similarities exist in polarization, inequality, and social disconnection [04:01].
The Upswing: Past challenges led to civic groups and progressive reforms [04:55].
Cultural Change and Moral Revival: These are crucial for addressing societal issues [05:56].
Join or Die: Community engagement and grassroots movements are encouraged [07:28].
Grassroots Movements: These movements have the power to effect change [08:02].
Possibility of Change: Change is possible through individual action [09:09].