In the past year, the rising popularity of organizations like Antifa, and the constant clashes between protesters and counter-protesters suggest that protesting in America is becoming more violent.
Why are we making this change, and how does this increase partisan tencions in the US?
Also, are there perhaps any benefits to these violent protests?
The extreme polarization of American politics is definitely a interesting if not a dangerous phenomenon. I think it's natural that as the number of, say, alt-right groups and members increase, so do the numbers of far-left groups like ANTIFA. What's especially dangerous about extremist groups is that they become locked into their ideology where the truth is removed and the agenda is their end goal.
Regardless of one's own personal political beliefs, I always believe that violence should never be the answer. If you disagree with someone, however vehemently, talk to them. Reason to them why the truth is the truth and why their view is horribly skewed. That's what Bridge the Divide can bring to the table.
Finally, as to your question about benefits -- I don't think there are direct benefits to violent protests in the United States, except to bring to light the issues that consume American politics and society today. When tragic and atrocious acts happen in the news - when people are hurt, when people die, when people's lives are at stake - that's when Americans start paying attention. It's sad that it takes so much horror to raise awareness and I think it's pertinent that we start the conversation earlier so that people don't have to see the consequences of the problem before they can discuss the roots of it.