Cynicism and Hope
““The biggest threat to our democracy is cynicism””
This recent quote resonates with us. In the last few months months we have encountered a startling depth of cynicism as we travel the country. "Don't let us down again" is the message we're hearing, a view consistent with Americans' distrust in institutions, decades in the making.
Counteracting the cynicism, however, is a surging optimism in the future. More than 6 in 10 people think today's youth will live better lives than their parents, a significant recent increase. Americans are more engaged with this year's midterm elections than usual, and turnout has increased in the states where congressional primaries have already happened.
What do the competing forces of cynicism and hope mean for candidates and companies? If you connect with voters or consumers at a deep, values level – if you motivate them to be for you and not just against someone or something – then there's great potential for engagement and action.
