Why do people polarize politics so much?

Question

In America, both our main political parties share many of the same beliefs, but it seems as if they've exploited and magnified their relatively small differences to polarize the public. This, in turn, has lead to a society that has rarely been this divided (exception being the Vietnam War, etc.) Granted, the war in Iraq is probably the only thing worthy of such division, but in the classical sense of politics all Americans are liberals so why do these people insist on making mountains out of molehills? If, as is seems logical, it's simply to remain in power then perhaps my growing disillusion with American government/politics is warranted.

In the classical sense of politics, the majority of Americans are liberal. Ie: non-monarchical, oligarchical, etc. We are a revolutionary nation that spearheaded freedom and democracy, so yes, we are liberals. Exceptions would be found in anarchists, tory types, etc.

Answer 1

This is a very interesting question tthat I've been wondering about myself.

It seems like American politics is becoming more polarized every day. I consider myself a moderate conservative, where I may not completely agree with the polarized conservative agendas of this country, but favor most of it. My position on politics is becoming harder and harder to hold. I'm considered somewhat of a traitor to the conservatives and an absolute right-winger by the liberals. My position is not popular on either side of the fence, yet I'm probably closer to the answer that both sides are arguing about.

If I mention that I may favor conservative fiscal spending, then I'm automatically considered against abortion, for the Iraq war and for prayer in school by the liberals. Likewise with the conservatives if I may favor efforts to preserve natural wildlife in this country.

I think it comes down to the lack of respect of other's opinions, and the lack of both sides not wanting to compromise. As you had mentioned, we are all technically liberals in this country. I agree, but you still get attacked by those who do not understand the question, and resort to following the opinion on their side of the fence. If everyone takes a step back, they may see that their opinions are not all that far apart.

"The answer to a problem is usually somewhere in the middle of two opposing point of views.... Unknown"

Answer 2

The political parties are out after money in the way of bribes known as campaign donations. Being a major political party is a serious "non-profit" business.

For people politics has become a religion. There are 40% who will defend the honor of their party to the death, another 40% is equally blinded by their faith in their party.

The two sides have polarized so much because its the extreme poles, the right and left that donate to the political parties (along of course with corporations and other special interest groups). That is why the religious right seems to have so much power over the Republicans and the old hippy socialists seem to have control over the democrats, because they donate in substantial amounts to the national political parties.

Plus people tend to like having things polarized, fed to them in either/or scenarios. It reduces the amount of thinking they have to do if they are presented with a black or white issue and get to choose sides. It saves the time and energy of having to research the actual pro or cons and explore the gray area in between the two extreme poles.

Plus keeping things polarized prevents third parties from getting strong enough to be a serious threat. There is either Democrat or Republican, every thing else are fringe groups not worthy of consideration in a polarized world. So by keeping things polarized the two major parties maintain their lock on the campaign donations.

Answer 3

You're wrong, all Americans are not liberals in the"classical" early 18th century mode you describe.

The right- left dichotomy is increasing with the right becoming more militaristic, nationalistic, "Christian" and repressive of individual rights. The Republican right has mastered the art of dirty political tricks, name calling, personalizing of issues, and dodging of facts. They lie outright, and have actively promoted divisiveness for the last 15 years.

Some, but not very much, of this behavior is mirrored by juvenile and faux Democrats on this forum. In the real world, it's 90% Republican bad behavior.

Republicans are indeed only concerned with remaining in power, the national interest is at best #3 or 4 on their list of priorities.

It is not making a mountain out of a molehill to protest policies such as the President's endorsement of torture, and indefinite detention of prisoners.17th century England allowed defendants the right to see the evidence and attend their own trials. Bush would like to abrogate these rights and other legal traditions and protections going back to the Magna Carta. Democrats could not have conceived of such violations of our national heritage and reputation.

Answer 4

Reference Hamilton versus Jefferson for the beginnings of political parties in America...

Answer 5

You are most likely correct in wanting to descent from the normal hum-drum of American politics.However in America,people choose sides,and that is the way it is.
Example being:I was born in Chicago.The Cubs have not won a world series since 1930 something,but i still support them.

Answer 6

It is called divide and conquer. Both parties have one goal to increase their power at any cost.

There are many issues that they do not agree on at all to fuel the fires.

Answer 7

It's easier than debating actual issues, and we as Americans like everything easy.

Answer 8

Your only scratching the tip of the iceberg.