In the wake of the 2024 election, America finds itself in the midst of a transformative period. With over 70 executive orders issued by the Trump administration since February 20, 2025, the nation wakes up each day to a new reality. As policies, laws, and leadership rapidly evolve, many Americans are left feeling exhausted and directionless, grappling with a fundamental question: Are we moving in the right direction?
Recent polls paint a stark picture of a divided nation. The Center Square Voters’ voice poll revealed that 60% of Americans believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, with a staggering 86% of Republicans strongly agreeing. Meanwhile, TheJembe’s The State of Black Women Study echoes this sentiment from a different perspective, with 55% of Black women respondents sharing similar concerns. The study highlights alarming statistics: 62% of Black women report experiencing racial bias regularly, and 17% view it as a significant obstacle to their economic success. These findings demand attention from both politicians and the public, raising crucial questions about how to address these concerns and foster positive change.
If so many of us think we are heading in the wrong direction as a nation, what is the right direction? Dr. Liza Talusan, an expert in identity consciousness and author of “The Identity Conscious Educator”, offers insight into navigating this complex political landscape. She emphasizes the importance of becoming “identity-conscious” as a step towards healing the divisions within our country. “While White women and women of color may share their gender in common, there are additional layers of race to consider in how people experience the world,” Dr. Talusan explains. This understanding is crucial in addressing the current administration’s efforts to suppress discussions and programs related to identity.
It makes sense that Black women continue to experience marginalization. 58% of survey respondents report voting for the Democratic candidate, candidates who are typically associated with safeguarding civil rights and promoting equity. Yet, recent election results often go in the opposite direction. Marginalizing the Black woman voter is a mistake, but it is the unfortunate consequence of the current political climate in this country. This climate is divisive, and the nation is divided. As a White woman, I question how we begin to overcome this division?
If this nation is to move in the right direction, we need to think about the collective, not the individual. Becoming “identity-conscious” is a step towards healing the divisions between the different people in this country. Identity consciousness is the awareness of how these different aspects shape how we behave, the kinds of relationships we build, and the lens through which we view issues and experiences. Dr. Talusan explains, “While White women and women of color may share their gender in common, there are additional layers of race to consider in how people experience the world.”.
Navigating in this political climate will be a challenge for those who wish to overcome this division. The current administration’s efforts to suppress discussions and programs related to identity appear to overlook a crucial point: their own perspectives, actions, and ideologies are inherently shaped by their personal identities, such as being predominantly white, male, and Christian. Attempts to downplay or erase the historical realities of race relations in the United States are influenced by their white racial identity, and overturning LGBTQ+ rights are influenced by their cis-gendered identity. This approach fails to recognize that everyone’s worldview, including their own, is fundamentally influenced by their personal background and experiences. More importantly, it erodes trust.
Healing the rifts that happened after the last presidential election involves work on the part of women. Many White women have lost the trust of other women, choosing to support a candidate who was convicted of a felony and propagates racism and sexism. We need to understand why these attributes were not deal-breakers for these women. We need to address the question of why White women align themselves with a candidate who works against promoting equity. The challenge with this election is that there is no one group who voted for the incoming president. Dr. Talusan explains, “It is no longer a safe assumption to believe “all people of color voted Democrat” when the exit polls showed that there were many people of color who voted for the incoming president. It is not a safe assumption to believe that all women voted for the candidate who would protect reproductive rights and body autonomy. So, the challenge here is understanding that there are people who you likely encounter who voted against your own civil and human rights.”
Dr. Talusan emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and education as foundational steps in building trust and understanding across racial divides. She recommends that White women engage in deep self-work, developing a comprehensive understanding of whiteness, race, gender, class, and oppression. This process involves cultivating an openness to feedback and challenging ideas from women of color, as well as practicing “proximity” – a concept that encourages individuals to map out their closeness to various identities and experiences and actively work to address any gaps.
Furthermore, Dr. Talusan advocates for proactive engagement and community building. She suggests creating discussion and dialogue groups for women to explore these issues collectively. Equally important is the active support of Black women organizers, offering assistance in ways that are most beneficial to their efforts. Ultimately, the goal is to build strong coalitions with communities of color, actively working to reduce the distance between different groups and fostering a more inclusive and understanding society. By embracing these practices, we can work toward a more unified and equitable nation. As we navigate this shifting political landscape, it’s crucial to remember that understanding and acknowledging our diverse identities is not a divisive act but rather a step towards genuine connection and progress.
Identity consciousness, while a crucial step towards understanding diverse perspectives, may not always lead directly to consensus building. Instead, it creates a foundation for more inclusive and meaningful conversations about complex social issues. By recognizing and acknowledging the various identities and experiences that shape our worldviews, we open up spaces where individuals from different backgrounds can participate in important dialogues on equal footing.
While unity may not be found in a political candidate, there are many goals we have in common. It is helpful to clarify the purpose or goal of the conversation. Rather than aiming to change someone’s mind, which can create resistance, she suggests framing the discussion as an opportunity to share information or express one’s standpoint. This approach allows for a more open exchange of ideas and experiences. Conversations may end without anyone necessarily changing their mind, but you can still feel heard. In this way, identity consciousness fosters an environment where diverse voices can be expressed and acknowledged, even if unanimous agreement isn’t reached. The goal shifts from winning arguments to finding common ground and mutual understanding within the context of our shared objectives for a more equitable society.
Amongst all the executive orders and bipartisan politicking, the path towards unity requires commitment, empathy, and a willingness to engage in uncomfortable conversations. Only by confronting these challenges head-on can we hope to bridge the divides that currently define our nation and move collectively in a direction that benefits all Americans.
