We, as Americans, cherish the freedom and right to disagree—which we do, often deeply about important issues that need resolution. But polarization undermines that freedom by tightening prejudices rather than opening thought, thus diminishing the chances for finding resolutions and moving forward. So while polarization may feel like a righteous champion of freedom and right, it is in fact just the opposite—a stick jammed in the spokes of the democratic discourse of freedom. Here are some of the common ways it does it:
- SEDUCES with loaded, heated language and childish name-calling that appeals more to emotion that reason.
- BLINKERS by using cherry-picked facts, and ignoring or mocking opposing arguments and evidence rather than actually addressing them.
- TRIVIALIZES by focusing on “straw-man” issues whose value in re-enforcing biases is clearly greater than their substance.
- BULLIES by making you feel like a dupe or a traitor if you even listen to the other side.
- FLATTERS with language and a tone that makes you feel like an insider, who, of course, agrees with them because you “get it” … just like they do.
- FRIGHTENS by portraying the other side as not just wrong, but a dangerous, evil enemy, replete with wicked hidden agendas.
- “CLANS,” that is, plays the “us vs. them” identity politics game of associating the other view with groups or people (implicitly) “inferior” to “us.”
- “TRIBES” by using the knowing winks and nods of sarcasm, coded language, words in quotes (suggesting they’re misleading) and innuendo which you, as a member of the tribe, of course, will understand without explanation or justification.
This week . . . as we were supposed to be celebrating the birthday of our nation, and arguably, the greatest manifestation of freedom in human history, it was all there in shameful abundance: Seducing, blinkering, trivializing, bullying, flattering, frightening, “klanning” and “tribing” . . . all the techniques of polarization that undermine the discursive democratic process essential to sustaining the freedom that July 4 represents. Two books reviewed in a recent New York Times Review of Booksoffer sobering real-world looks at “The Death of Democracy” and “How Democracies Die,” where scapegoating, the politics of resentment, the undermining of institutions and the press, and reframing the opposition as the enemy played a key role. Perhaps it’s overkill—or just sour grapes— to suggest that’s where today’s political climate is heading. But the apparatus of freedom is nothing more than a set of rules we all agree to agree on and respect, even when we’re on the losing side of a given debate. Which means it’s as malleable and fragile as the language we use to express it. Words, in short, matter. So it’s worth thinking about.
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 week’s polarizing headlines, from the left and right.
Red Headlines
Figures. Liberal Hacks Attack Governor Mike Huckabee for Denouncing MS-13 Killers and Rapists
GOP KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK, Releases Brilliant and Ruthless Ad Against the Democrats
Liberals Melt Down Over Justice Kennedy Retirement and It’s Glorious
Far Left Vandals Hurl Brick Through Nebraska GOP Office Windows – Leave Graffiti Message on Street
Blue Headlines
Far-right voices are frothing about a looming civil war
Republicans try to deflect criticism by accusing the left of becoming ‘unhinged’
Trey Gowdy proves he is a complete fraud
Open Carry Racism: The Right-Wing Fever Dream That Made the Trump Era Possible
Far-right online message board users celebrate Annapolis newsroom shooting
Conservatives hope an ampersand will help defeat marriage equality