NLC-当今城市的前沿：创伤、挑战和解决方案（英）-2021.11-23页_2mb

Summary: On the Frontlines of Today's Cities: Trauma, Challenges and Solutions

Core Content

This report by the National League of Cities (NLC) highlights the increasing levels of harassment, threats, and violence faced by local public officials in the United States, particularly in the context of the post-pandemic era. It outlines the challenges that have arisen due to political polarization, the spread of mis- and disinformation, and the role of social media in amplifying hostile behavior. The report emphasizes the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to protect the mental and physical well-being of local leaders.

Main Points

• Harassment, Threats and Violence: Local officials, including mayors, council members, school board members, and public health officers, have experienced a significant rise in harassment, threats, and violence. These incidents often occur online and in-person, with social media being a major platform for anonymous and extreme expressions.

• Impact on Public Service: The hostile environment has affected the ability of local leaders to perform their duties effectively. Many have resorted to using anti-anxiety medication, therapy, or even police protection to manage the stress and threats they face.

• Political Polarization: The growing divide between political parties has led to a culture of hostility and dehumanization. Citizens are increasingly viewing opposing political views as threats, and this has spilled over into attacks on local officials.

• Social Media Influence: Social media has played a critical role in spreading misinformation and fostering hostile environments. It has enabled users to remain anonymous and has created echo chambers that reinforce existing biases and radicalize users.

• Demographic and Identity Factors: Local officials from underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals, are disproportionately targeted. This has led to a reluctance among some to run for office or to continue serving, resulting in a loss of institutional knowledge.

• Civil Discourse Decline: The report underscores that the decline in civility is not new but has accelerated in recent years, fueled by national events, such as the pandemic, the Capitol insurrection, and the movement for racial justice.

• Recommendations: The report proposes a three-pronged approach to address the issue:

  1. Securing Physical Safety: Implementing security measures for officials and their families.
  2. Promoting Mental Health and Well-being: Encouraging access to mental health resources and support systems.
  3. Improving Civil Discourse: Fostering respectful dialogue and reducing the hostility that has taken root in political culture.

Key Information

• Survey Results:

  • 81% of surveyed local officials reported experiencing harassment, threats, or violence.
  • 87% observed an increase in attacks on public officials during their time in office.
  • Social media, public city meetings, and online forums are the most common settings for these incidents.

• Examples of Harassment:

  • Councilmembers in Minnesota received threatening emails and calls after voting on mask mandates.
  • An LGBTQ+ Assemblymember in Alaska faced homophobic remarks and even a game camera pointing at his home.
  • A mayor in Illinois was likened to a Nazi due to his support for a former president.
  • Public health officials in Colorado and Maryland faced threats and political pressure.
  • School board members in Nevada considered suicide due to harassment.

• Underlying Drivers:

  • Political Polarization: Deepening ideological divides have led to more hostile interactions.
  • Mis- and Disinformation: Social media has amplified false information and radical views.
  • Demographic Shifts: The increasing diversity of the population has triggered resistance from some groups.
  • Erosion of Trust in Local News: The decline of local and nonpartisan media has led to greater reliance on social media for news, which in turn fuels misinformation and polarization.

Conclusion

The report calls for a collective effort to address the trauma and challenges faced by local officials. It stresses that the well-being of public servants is essential to the health of democracy and that cities must take proactive steps to protect them. The NLC advocates for a combination of immediate safety measures and long-term strategies to improve the political climate and foster civil discourse.

Appendices

• Appendix I: Additional resources for further reading and support.
• Appendix II: Details about the survey methodology and results.

References

• The report cites numerous studies and surveys, including the Allegheny College Survey of Civility and Compromise in American Politics, the Weber Shandwick survey, and the Pew Research Center's findings on political polarization and social media usage.

Word Count: 999