Why do Neocons insist that Republicans are Red and Liberals are Blue when the two groups say they are Purple?

Question

"The Pew Research Center says despite the conventional shorthand of "red America" and "blue America" most Americans can't be characterized as either liberal or conservative, according to a survey released last month.

Pew concluded that 'despite talk of culture wars' there has been no polarization of the public into liberal an conservative camps.' "
(See Philadelphia Inquirer Paul Nussbaum)

Who does it help when America is divided?
- serious comments please -

Answer 1

It doesn't help anyone when America is divided, however, there are very conflicting viewpoints.
I do know what you mean, as I have rarely met someone who didn't have at least some views from the other party. I wish we just wouldn't pit against each other, the liberals against the conservatives. I wish somehow, we could stand united, as a diverse group. I really think our country would run better that way if it weren't all about liberalism and conservatism, just humanism with differing viewpoints.

Answer 2

I find it interesting that you blame Republicans for this paradigm as if they created it.
Red and Blue comes from the media. I have a feeling Bush didn't call up ABC and say how about making states that go to Bush red and the other Blue.
It sounds like you are buying into the Media's views.

If your point is that people tend to look at things on an issue by issue basis then that is an obvious fact of human nature.

The only thing the research shows is that people don't give up their brains when they are passionate about their beliefs.

The difference now is that people are now willing to go to the mat for their beliefs instead taking small steps to accomplish their goal.
People tend to cut others slack when they are cut slack. If you are willing to concede room on reducing government spending then I am willing to concede ground on gay marriage.
If not then forget you and you get nothing...that's what is divisive.

If you honestly believe this is the Republicans fault then you are part an parcel with the divisive forces in America.

Answer 3

Isn't purple the colour of the gay rights movement?

The media likes to rant and rave about the "polarization" of America as if it's a new phenomenon, but the truth is that what they call "polarization" is simply a matter of divided national opinion which is completely natural in a republic with democratic traditions such as ours. I think the media would much prefer it if we were a population of mindless drones who spat our only the mindless liberal drivel they fed us; it would make their jobs a heck of a lot easier.

Give me a divided republic with freedom of thought and expression anytime.