The Total Solar Eclipse: A Unifying Moment in a Divided World
As the moon slid slowly over the sun, a group of about 20 individuals gathered to witness the total solar eclipse. Underneath an impossibly perfect April sky, they marveled at the alignment of the celestial bodies and the science that ruled the day. For more than an hour, they compared the shape of the eclipse to a croissant and a banana, and cheered together when darkness hit.
In that moment, politics and division faded away as the group stood with their faces to the sky, united in awe and wonder. It was a unifying moment in a world that seems increasingly polarized. The eclipse served as a reminder that society can come together, despite differences in opinions and beliefs.
However, the unity experienced during the eclipse was short-lived. Attorney General Todd Rokita’s posting of a Trump-shaped eclipse picture on his official government account quickly turned the national phenomenon into a political and partisan issue. The use of state resources for political purposes sparked controversy and questions about the boundaries between official duties and political activity.
Despite the divisive actions of some, the eclipse served as a powerful reminder of the importance of finding common ground and focusing on the things that make us similar rather than what drives us apart. Just as the eclipse brought people together in a moment of shared wonder, we must strive to bridge the divides that separate us and embrace the collective experiences that unite us as a society.
