Thought Piece: Rafting Across the Divide

By: Ze Min Xiao

Last month, I rafted the majestic Green River with mostly strangers — and by the end of the trip, we had become friends.

In Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, Robert Putnam described the decline of social capital in the United States. He noted the reduction in the in-person social interactions that once helped Americans build and sustain community — things like bowling leagues. This decline, he argued, undermines the civic engagement on which a strong democracy depends.

Similar to bowling alleys, Utah’s remarkable outdoors provides the perfect environment for us to build social capital. And given the recent violence and heightened tensions in our own state, it has never been more urgent to find ways to lower the temperature, foster understanding, and bring people together across political lines.

As one of my fellow participants said, “When you hear something you disagree with, it’s hard to get upset — because the scenery is so beautiful.”

I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. Form a hiking group with your neighbors, plan a picnic in the park, or organize a camping trip. You can visit Living Room Conversations for tools and resources to help facilitate meaningful dialogue.

Our communities are stronger when we talk with one another instead of about one another. Utah — and the nation — needs that now more than ever.

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Watch a video recapping the trip here: https://youtu.be/gXO41Zp2UiY?si=Rt51zaIJpZ14EjWH.