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During a divided time in the U.S., WUSA9 gave three pairs of strangers five minutes to find what they have in common.
WASHINGTON —
During a moment in time when our country seems as divided as ever, WUSA9 wanted to find a way to highlight what Americans have in common.
On three separate streets in Washington, D.C., we asked two strangers to sit down together on a bench and spend time finding similarities in their lives – whether big or small.
The results brought out people from different genders and generations.
“What the last few years have shown me is that it’s really easy to critique and judge others when you dehumanize them,” one participant on Pennsylvania Avenue said. “So, I think when you’re really able to make connections with people - even small connections it helps you create empathy and understanding.”
Each of the pairs of strangers was given five minutes to find what they had in common.
“There’s gold in looking at something else from another perspective,” a participant who talked with a stranger on Wisconsin Avenue shared.
“People may be packaged differently, but I think there’s a lot of sameness there,” his conversation partner added.
This story is part of WUSA9’s ongoing series “The Heart of It”, which focuses on stories that highlight the best of the human spirit. If you have a story suggestion for Sean Martinelli, you can email him at TheHeartOfIt@WUSA9.com
English (US) ·