By Dana Greyson
Are you afraid to speak your mind to strangers lest you find yourself branding them as “us vs. them” enemies, rather than friends or at least acquaintances?
Have you found yourself avoiding conversations with coworkers, neighbors, even friends and family members because of your political differences—or simply avoiding them altogether?
Does the impact of this national divide give you pause about where we are headed as a nation?
Do you wonder how we got here—and what it might take to turn it around?
“A House United” is a newly released documentary that focuses on the divide, but more so on those successfully working to bring a divided country back together. "This is not a story about polarization,” notes the movie’s moderator. “It's the story of the efforts made by those doing something about it."
The documentary is hosted by the Braver Angels Columbia Gorge Alliance whose mission is based on the firm belief that we Americans of all stripes have more in common than we realize. To prove it, we only have to develop again the ability to civilly engage an opposing point of view. We have to become a little more curious and a little less certain.
The documentary is showing this Friday evening, October 30th at Bingen Theater, 210 North Oak St., Bingen. Doors open 7 p.m., film starts at 7:30 p.m. The movie will be followed by a community discussion for those who would like to participate.
Advance tickets can be purchased online at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jojofilm/2486909 for $7. Tickets bought on October 30 are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.
Beginning tomorrow, this Wednesday, October 28th, you can enjoy the film from wherever you want online at scheduled times, for $10 per household. It’s followed by a live Q&A where prominent bridgebuilders answer questions you and other audience members submit.
Virtual Showtimes:
TOMORROW! Wednesday, Oct. 28: 4–5:30 PM Pacific | 7–8:30 PM Eastern
Saturday, Nov. 7: 11 AM–12:30 PM Pacific | 2–3:30 PM Eastern
Sunday, Nov. 15: 2–3:30 PM Pacific | 5–6:30 PM Eastern
Ticket proceeds support Braver Angels and the bridge-building organizations behind the film.
Inspired to take more action in our community? There is a Braver Angels Town Hall on November 15th in both Hood River and The Dalles, for more on how rural and urban Oregonians can talk politics without fighting https://columbiacommunityconnection.com/the-dalles/braver-angels-to-hold-rural-urban-town-halls-in-gorge-sign-up-now.
For questions or more information about these two events or the ongoing movement to heal our political divides, please contact the Columbia Gorge Alliance at columbia-gorge@braverangels.org.
Our community is known for stepping up to the plate, regardless of party affiliation. Braver Angels a toolset to do it even better. Division may dominate the headlines, but hope deserves the spotlight.
