This week…the memory of when you could have passionate—even angry—but still rational, focused disagreements over serious issues seems like a distant dream. What are the issues? What are the talking points? How do we decide? All of that takes a backseat to impugning and insulting the “other side.” Perhaps it’s time for a campaign to Make America Adult Again.
When reading these examples, check the above list and ask yourself: regardless of whether you agree or disagree, is this really advancing an intelligent resolution through the persuasive, rational arguments of advocacy…or simply fueling the fire of conflict through the divisive, emotional manipulations of polarization?
Here are just a few of the blue and red polarizing headlines from the past week.
Blue Headlines
Another week brings yet another gargantuan lie from Trump’s den of liars
On Tuesday, Americans can watch Republicans betray the Constitution—and the country—in real time
Trump Babbles Gibberish While Calling His Language Nice And Denying Role In Spreading Hate
Trump keeps channeling Fox’s “coup” nonsense.
Red Headlines
Liberals Project Their Hatred Of The Country Onto Everyone Else
The American Left Is Attempting To Destroy U.S. History
Why Leftists Love Stickin’ It to Christianity
Liberals Believe Trump Should Follow Constitution, But They Shouldn’t
The Left Wants to Transform Our Election System. It’s a Recipe for 1-Party Rule
2 thoughts on “Make America Adult Again”
Both columns of headlines are polarizing and inflammatory, criticizing not just policies but people. But I noticed an interesting difference. All the blue headlines target Trump or Republican politicians. All the red headlines target all liberals/leftists/Democrats as a whole, not just politicians. Is that difference representative of most red and blue polarizing headlines, or this sample not representative?
One step toward depolarization is to distinguish between political leaders vs. their voters. If there’s one thing we’ve learned in Braver Angels it’s that even if we believe a political leader — on either side — is reprehensible, that doesn’t mean everybody who voted for him/her is reprehensible. It’s an important distinction.
Good and relevant observation. I’ve noticed that as Donald Trump as come to define the Republican Party most of the comments from the left are focused on him or other prominent specific Republicans. The Left/Democrats don’t have nearly as singular a target, so most of comments aimed in that direction identify the ideology rather a person. And yes, distinguishing between a politician and those who voted for him/her is an important de-polarizing step. But It’s not easy. Trying to focus in disagreements over policy is safer ground than who to characterize as “reprehensible.”