Recent events, such as the arrests in Nebraska following an abortion bill protest, highlight the ongoing culture war as the 2024 election approaches. While social and mainstream media showcase these protests, they often misrepresent the broader political landscape. The most vocal protests and cancel culture incidents predominantly originate from the extreme liberal wing of the Democratic Party, a small but influential group.

This group's impact on civic health is substantial. Their aggressive tactics create an environment where many fear questioning prevailing ideas or expressing dissenting opinions, leading to stifled discourse and potential self-censorship.

On college campuses, protests, often backed by faculty, have become increasingly common among left-leaning students. A 2022 Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) survey revealed a stark contrast in attitudes towards disruptive protests. A significant majority of liberal faculty (63%) found shouting down speakers acceptable in certain situations, compared to 47% of moderates and only 12% of conservatives. Similarly, 31% of liberal faculty deemed blocking students from attending speeches acceptable, contrasting with 16% of moderates and 5% of conservatives. This disparity raises concerns about the role of educators in fostering open dialogue and intellectual exploration.

Student opinions mirror this divide. FIRE's survey indicated that 75% of liberal students justified preventing speakers from being heard, compared to 55% of moderates and 42% of conservatives. This trend extends to other disruptive tactics, such as blocking attendance and even using violence to suppress speech, with liberal students consistently showing higher acceptance rates than their conservative peers.

This pattern replicates itself in broader society. A May 2021 American Perspectives Survey found that while 15% of Americans overall reported ending relationships due to political differences, this number rose sharply to 45% among liberals, contrasting with 22% of conservatives and 11% of moderates.

Data from PACE's 2021 Civic Language Perceptions Project further illuminate the differing views on civic engagement. While most Americans value voting and volunteering, liberals place significantly more emphasis on protesting. 32% of very liberal Americans and 19% of somewhat liberal Americans consider protesting highly valuable, compared to only 9% of moderates, 7% of those leaning conservative, and 11% of very conservative individuals. This aligns with the observation that protesting is more prevalent among liberals.

The same survey also explored perceptions of “activism.” Positive associations were significantly higher among liberals (70% very liberal, 56% somewhat liberal) than moderates (34%) and conservatives (23% very conservative, 20% somewhat conservative). This suggests a partisan lens through which activism is viewed, with liberals more likely to see it as positive and conservatives less so.

The data reveals a clear trend: liberals engage in protests and activism more frequently than other groups. This tendency, while potentially well-intentioned, has concerning implications for democratic health. The constant cycle of activism and protest can stifle productive dialogue, create an atmosphere of fear, and ultimately hinder the exchange of diverse perspectives.

For a healthier democracy, a shift away from this intensely reactive political engagement is needed. Open dialogue, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints are crucial for fostering a thriving civic culture.