SVU welcomed Dr. Verlan Lewis. Verlan Lewis is the Stirling Professor of Constitutional Studies, and Associate Professor of political science at Utah Valley University, where he researches, teaches, and writes about the interaction of ideas and institutions in American politics.
Lewis spoke on the rising partisan hostility (between political parties) in America. He said, “The political spectrum unnecessarily divides us,” and spoke on how “the left-right spectrum is based on a myth.”
In this rising age of hostility, how can we improve political discourse? Lewis provided the following five tips:
1. Recognize the myth of the political spectrum.
You don’t have to identify with being on some type of spectrum of left and right. Your opinions should be yours and should be unique to each issue.
2. Go granular.
Be objective and look at the facts. Base opinions through data and information.
3. Change our speech.
Speak about the issue and not about the person.
4. Find healthier tribes.
Interact with people who keep things about the issue. Discuss political topics with people who are respectful, and not those who speak with disrespect.
5. Promote pluralism and constitutional government.
Government should follow the constitution and by promoting pluralism you take away the myth of the political spectrum.
Lewis closed his forum talk by explaining the importance of healthy discourse through scripture, quoting Matthew 5:43–44: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
Lewis’s writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Hill, Political Science Quarterly, Party Politics, Studies in American Political Development, Presidential Studies Quarterly, and The Forum. His first book, Ideas of Power, was published by Cambridge University Press in 2019. His second book, The Myth of Left and Right, was published by Oxford University Press in 2023.