Political Polarization

Written By Jonathan Milner

Polarization means division into two sharply distinct opposites. Political Polarization, the vast and growing gap between liberals and conservatives; Republicans and Democrats – is a defining feature of American politics today. Republicans and Democrats are more divided along ideological lines – and partisan acrimony is deeper and more extensive – than at any point in recent history. And these trends manifest themselves in myriad ways, both in politics and in everyday life. Today 92% of Republicans are to the right of the median Democrat, and 94% of Democrats are to the left of the median Republican. Republicans and Democrats are more politically polarized and divided along ideological lines – than at any point in recent history. “Ideological silos” are now common on both the left and right. People with down-the-line ideological positions – especially conservatives – are more likely than others to say that most of their close friends share their political views. Liberals and conservatives disagree over where they want to live, the kind of people they want to live around and even whom they would welcome into their families.

Example

 
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Questions

  1. What is polarization?

  2. What is political polarization?

  3. Describe an instance of political polarization in your life?

  4. What has caused growing political polarization in the U.S.?

  5. How does polarization impact policy in the American political system?

  6. Does American seem to be getting more polarized to you?

  7. What is a consequence of the growing political polarization in the U.S.?

  8. Has the current President increased or decreased American Political Polarization?

  9. Use political polarization in a sentence that will make your family proud and demonstrates that you actually know what it means.

  10. Find an image or emoji that does justice to the sublime beauty of political polarization:

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw political polarization. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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Jonathan Milner

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