Pluralism matters — and local communities show how to practice it

The two of us are embarking on a series of essays at the George W. Bush Institute about why pluralism matters, which we call “The Pluralism Challenge.” We are doing so because we believe that respecting our differences — even attempting to work through them to resolve challenges that bedevil our nation and communities — is a big deal. By practicing pluralism, our nation can begin to claw its way out of our present acrimony. As we do, we can strengthen our democracy.

Pluralism matters because it promotes tolerance for individuals or groups who come from different backgrounds, hold competing views and want to express and practice their beliefs without reprisal. Pluralism also provides room for people and groups with differing views on subjects such as politics, religion and community to work through their differences. Without this commitment to pluralism, cherished liberties such as freedom of expression, association and worship would become meaningless. We’d all be expected to think and act the same way.

Pluralism extends further than the discussions on diversity and inclusion taking place across America. Expanding participation of marginalized groups in the public or private spheres is crucial, but pluralism goes beyond that worthy endeavor.

Harvard University’s Pluralism Project describes the difference this way: “‘Pluralism’ and ‘diversity’ are sometimes used as if they were synonymous, but diversity — splendid, colorful and perhaps threatening — is not pluralism. Pluralism is the engagement that creates a common society from all that diversity.”

Understanding the difference is important because a recent Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement survey reveals that many Americans don’t know what pluralism means. And Americans may not see the concept being in play at the national level, despite our national motto — E pluribus unum: Out of many, one.

But, encouragingly, we have found examples of local communities practicing pluralism. Our research has led us to believe that national leaders can learn from local officials and their residents.

Former Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings told us that he believes in pluralism because leaders and their communities need to hear from a wide range of people as they make decisions. But, he emphasized, pluralism doesn’t just happen. Leaders need to set up processes that ensure competing views are heard. He cited how a good process helped lead Dallas to a consensus about taking down Confederate statues, including one of Robert E. Lee.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker explained in another interview that leaders shouldn’t surround themselves with “yes” people. They should intentionally bring in a range of perspectives to solve complex problems. As that happens, she pointed out, leaders need to model listening, engage in a civil way, and call out those who won’t treat others respectfully.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who prides himself on being a Republican governing a purple city, offers a good example of how pluralism gets practiced locally. A commitment to pluralism, he contends, helped his city in 2019 pass the latest installment of Oklahoma City’s long-term Metropolitan Area Projects initiative. Over the last 30 years, that initiative has invested local sales taxes in revitalizing the city’s downtown, upgrading schools, providing recreational and entertainment options for all, and improving social services.

“The mix of projects reflects many different worldviews, and different projects were pleasing to different constituencies.” Holt recently wrote in these pages.

The two-term mayor also readily acknowledges that elected officials need incentives to embrace pluralism. He credits his city’s open mayoral primary for providing an incentive to reach a broad majority. In Oklahoma City, mayoral candidates run as nonpartisans and the top two finishers compete in a runoff. Holt believes this approach forces candidates to reach out to more than their loyal supporters.

Of course, practicing pluralism extends beyond the leadership ranks. James and Deborah Fallows found in their book Our Towns: A Journey Into the Heart of America that successful cities have “identifiable civic connection groups.” Effective practices are also grassroots.

The Aspen Institute’s Weave initiative works with local “trust brokers” who take it upon themselves to “weave” together a strong sense of community. Frederick Riley, who directs the Weave initiative, recalled in an interview how a “trust broker” in Chicago decided to stay in her economically disadvantaged neighborhood because she couldn’t be one more person who left the neighborhood. She remained and worked with neighbors to create a nonprofit organization that bought vacant lots and turned them into parks and places the neighborhood children could play in safely.

Organizations such as Rotary Clubs, neighborhood associations and religious institutions play the important role of mediating institutions. They buffer tensions and help communities resolve problems. Local civic groups differ from Washington’s lobbying class, whose job is to prevail on particular interests.

To be sure, cities aren’t perfect places. And managing our differences requires patience and hard work. Pluralism calls us to embrace and respect our various identities while striving to work through them in search of a common goal.

There is a compelling reason to understand and practice this concept. The many parts of our big, diverse democracy cannot peacefully coexist without a commitment to pluralism. But as we put pluralism into practice, we will strengthen our democracy. Many local communities are showing us how to do just that.

Chris Walsh is director of freedom and democracy at the George W. Bush Institute. William McKenzie is senior editorial adviser at the Bush Institute and a Dallas Morning News contributing columnist. They wrote this column for The Dallas Morning News.

Part of our Opinion series The American Middle, this essay highlights ways that nearby cities are modeling pluralism which could serve as a model for our national dialog.

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