Is there any way we can bridge the political, cultural, and social abyss in which we find ourselves today?
How about with a plate of baby back ribs, pulled pork slathered in Kinder's Original Barbecue Sauce, a slice of Texas toast, baked beans, corn on the cob, sweet tea, and peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream?
It's hard to argue about stolen elections or letting boys play girls' sports with your mouth full of such exquisite cuisine.
Besides, what could be more American in our nation's 250th year than a good ol' barbecue? Yum!
That's the idea behind Builders Movement, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization seeking to overcome "us vs. them" thinking. It has launched The Builders BBQ, a campaign challenging Americans to "bite to unite" by inviting people they see as different — or simply don't usually spend time with — to gather over barbecue.
The summer-long campaign kicked off last month, and as of this writing, Builders Movement says it has received more than 100 signups, with an estimated 3,000 people expected to attend events in 30 states. And the numbers continue to grow.
"As hosts were encouraged to invite someone who sees the world differently from them, this demand clearly shows us Americans have an appetite for the Builders Mindset — connecting with people in their communities and reinforcing there's more that unites us than divides us," said Kristin Moss, the organization's chief marketing officer. "And what better way to do that than over a cherished American tradition like BBQ!"
The Builders BBQ even offers conversation starters to get things rolling: "Is there something you admire about the other political side?"
"Who is someone you admire that you don't always agree with?"
"Think about the last 250 years in America. What's an example of a creative solution that required both sides to come together?"
With all due respect, I have a few conversation starters of my own in case participants don't admire anyone on the other political side or would rather have a beer than solve the nation's problems over dessert.
For example: "Hello, stranger. Did you know no word rhymes with orange?"
Or: "Hi there! Did you know a horde of rabbits once attacked Napoleon Bonaparte?"
Or this gem: "The average person spends about two weeks of a lifetime burping. That says we've got some serious burping to do, friend. Bring on the barbecue!"
(Note to The Builders BBQ: Feel free to use these conversation starters. Just be sure I get credit.)
Are Georgians showing up? Builders Movement says they are.
According to the organization, one Georgia host wanted "to build connection with community and immediate neighbors."
The guest list included coworkers, school friends and church friends — single people, married couples, families with children and without, people with different beliefs, politics and incomes.
That's encouraging because the midterm elections will be here before you know it, and the angry rhetoric leading up to them is likely to make us even more divided than we already are. Maybe sharing a plate of brisket with someone who sees the world differently will make us a little more empathetic. We all have the right to freedom of expression, but that doesn't mean we have to insult one another.
So, applause to Builders Movement for finding a civilized way to focus on what unites us instead of what divides us — and doing it over a plate of barbecue with all the trimmings.
The organization describes it as a summer event, but I'd suggest that barbecue, like love, knows no season.
As the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once said, "Barbecue may not be the road to world peace, but it's a start."
Amen.
You can reach Dick Yarbrough at dick@dickyarbrough.com or at P.O. Box 725373, Atlanta, GA 31139.