In America’s two-party political environment, the polarization of certain issues has intensified, not just on Capitol Hill but also among the general public. All too often, things that should be universally accepted or compromised on become black-and-white battlegrounds for political debate. This article describes 19 things that have become politically polarized, illustrating how worryingly deep social divisions can become!
Climate Change
Once a universally recognized scientific fact and cause for positive action, climate change has become a political weapon, with some far-right extremists denying its existence entirely! Brookings warns that society as a whole needs to curb this reckless extremism to ensure such threats to humanity and planet Earth are tackled responsibly, effectively, and humanely.
Public Health
The rejection of medical advice regarding the COVID-19 pandemic is often the result of political rhetoric, says LSE Blogs. Despite face masks, social distancing, and vaccines significantly slowing the spread of the virus, denying government advice (and even the existence of the virus itself) became a political weapon, leading to preventable deaths.
Education
A study in the Peabody Journal of Education reports that the national curriculum for children (particularly for history, science, and religion) has been polarized by extremists. Far-right advocates often use education as a way to push their version of the ‘facts’ that are typically more racist and divisive, less scientifically accurate, and more religious than accurate teachings.
Gun Control
While it may seem logical that fewer guns mean fewer shootings for everyone, gun control is often associated with left-wing politics, says the Pew Research Center, whereas higher gun ownership is a characteristic of right-wing voters. Republican extremists cite ‘their right to bear arms’ as more important than the rights of children not to be shot at school.
Immigration
Political polarization has made the issue of immigration far more black and white than it should be, with extremists framing the debate in stark terms: either you view all immigrants as a threat and propose aggressive counter-measures, or you welcome a blanket open-door policy. Such inflexibility fails to acknowledge the complexity of the issue.
Healthcare
The debate over healthcare has attracted two opposing ‘camps’ of political opinion, with people advocating for the complete dismantling of the Affordable Care Act without an alternative or a leap into a fully government-run system without considering sustainability. Harvard Health warns that this polarization removes the potential for an efficient ‘middle ground’ solution.
Environmental Policy
Other environmental issues besides climate change have also been polarized by political debate. Extremists may prioritize economic growth and dismiss environmental conservation efforts altogether, or demand radical changes that neglect the human cost and feasibility of such measures.
Social Justice
Human rights movements like Black Lives Matter and #MeToo, which expose racism, sexism, or other societal ills, are often hijacked by politicians seeking to attract voters to their cause. Unfortunately, NPR reports that this rarely addresses inequality or injustice. Instead, extremists either deny the problem exists or promote radical, divisive action.
Economic Policy
Economic policy, including taxation and welfare, has been polarized by extremists. Some advocate for heavy taxation and expansive government programs without acknowledging the economic effects, while others push for minimal taxation and government involvement at the expense of social safety nets.
Voting Rights
Efforts to make voting easier and more inclusive are sometimes used by political extremists as proof of widespread voter fraud, despite a lack of evidence, and then demand stricter procedures and greater exclusion. Alternatively, others advocate for measures that go in the other direction, potentially undermining the validity of elections.
Patriotism
The New York Times expresses that nationalism and patriotism are now often used as excuses for ‘gut-level hatred’ and social division. Extreme nationalists see even constructive criticism of the U.S. or its government as unpatriotic, while others reject any acts of patriotism, preventing a healthy, inclusive, and rational love for one’s country from being celebrated.
Gender and Sexuality
Issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community, like transgender rights and same-sex marriage, have been polarized by extremists who lack flexibility. While more religious, right-wing politicians may entirely deny the legitimacy of such issues, those on the other side can be dismissive of more traditional views, leaving little room for constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
Religious Freedom
Unfortunately, religious freedom is often framed as a license to discriminate or as an excuse for behavior that threatens public safety or decency. The Berkley Center argues that religious freedom needs to be considered in context and without prejudice, avoiding instances such as Trump’s largely Muslim-based travel ban.
Foreign Policy
Dealing with foreign countries takes diplomacy and acceptable levels of compromise, but foreign policy is often polarized during relations with countries like China, Russia, and Iran. One side advocates for aggressive stances that could prompt military action, whereas others may overlook genuine threats in the pursuit of peace.
Social Media and Technology
The role of social media and technology companies requires consideration of a variety of inter-playing social factors. Extremists demand that platforms like Twitter and Facebook be banned to prevent the spread of information they disapprove of, while advocates for free speech (above all else) downplay the threat of misinformation and hate speech.
National Identity
Can a citizen be a proud member of their country’s society and yet also be a member of broader societies, like the human race as a whole? Unfortunately, debates over national identity and what it means to be a citizen have been pushed into two corners—denying identities based on anything other than America or refusing to acknowledge the importance of a shared history.
Judicial Appointments
The process of appointing judges, particularly to the Supreme Court, has become a contentious point for political debate, as per ABC News. Extremists, on the one hand, view appointments as an opportunity to secure a lifetime of support for their causes, while others refuse to vote for any candidate who doesn’t represent their party, regardless of their qualifications or character.
Media Trust
Political polarization is responsible for a great deal of eroded trust in the media. Extremists accuse outlets that don’t align with their beliefs of being consistently biased no matter what they report, and others believe everything a certain news provider says based on perceived political persuasions. Either way, these people aren’t thinking for themselves!
Corporate Responsibility
The role of corporations in society is a hot topic with economic, social, and environmental impacts. On the one hand, there’s a push for companies to use their power and influence to advocate for change, yet others say corporations shouldn’t be political and should only concern themselves with stockholder happiness and share prices. CF
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