Crossing the divide: students work to combat political division 

As the final bell rings on a Friday afternoon, most students at Durham School of the Arts are quick to escape the confines of their classrooms. But some converge on room D202, waiting behind for a chance to exchange ideas on topics they truly care about. 

The members of Crossing the Divide club are eager to explore the weekly topic, whether it be the legacies of former presidents or the role of government in the entertainment industry. There, they engage in discussion guided by the principles of honest conversation. The club is a place for everyone, including those who come to listen and those who are headstrong in their beliefs. Crossing the Divide club was started in 2020 by students who began to notice the divisiveness that politics brought to any and all discussions. Why should something so important and fundamental to society be swept under the rug? With the work of president Permelia Omuchei, a senior at DSA, and faculty sponsor, Mr. Cahoon, Crossing the Divide works against the political division that is rampant in this country. 

 “A safe place to discuss ideas about social and political [issues] plaguing the world today,” the sign for Crossing the Divide at the DSA Club Fair read. 

For some people, the allure of the club comes from its carefree, open environment. Students should have a place where they can express themselves however they wish to. Crossing the Divide provides that; and that in turn leads to members feeling comfortable in discussion. 

“I joined because I think it’s important to understand other people’s views, that way we can build an America in the future that [most people] feel satisfied with, instead of leaning super far [to] one side or the other,” Elliot Dall, a junior at DSA, said.

Others have been interested in political topics since a young age. Crossing the Divide gives them a chance to engage with others and formulate their view on the world through discussion. 

“I’ve been interested in political topics since I was in 4th [or] 5th grade,” Malachi Mclaughlin, a senior at DSA, explained. “Since I am a gay black man with punk politics, my whole life has been [inherently] political. Therefore, why not just lean into it?” 

Crossing the Divide challenges members to face a lingering question in American politics today. How can we have constructive conversation with people we disagree with?

“I think it's interesting discussing politics with people who aren’t on the same side as you. I think it's good to really get out of those [echo chambers] people are stuck in,” Ian Kun, a junior at DSA, stated.

This idea of cooperation and bridging partisan boundaries was on full display during the club’s first meeting on October 17th. Directed by Permelia Omuchei, members first gave their opinions on the weekly topic, and then were challenged to swap positions in order to see the other side’s point of view. 

“The idea of this club is not to debate, this is not a debate club. [The idea] is to welcome all people to have a discussion that can benefit anyone. Everyone is welcome at this club,” Omuchei concluded.