Stitching Together a Politically-Torn America
“A division of the republic into two great parties…is to be dreaded as the great political evil.” former President John Adams shared the same fear first President George Washington expressed in his farewell address: a split America. Currently, the nation is facing this exact political evil, with Democratic and Republican parties at the apex of polarization. Unfortunately, the 2020 presidential debates displayed inappropriate behavior from both former Vice President Joe Biden and incumbent President Donald Trump, foreshadowing the current state of America’s diplomacy and unity, and how the parties may soon follow suit and abandon civility altogether. Already, major cities are boarded up in anticipation of mass civil unrest predicted to ensue from the election results. With our country’s seams being torn apart, we must make an effort to mend the tears through interpersonal discussions within our community, while holding our representatives to higher standards.
These divisions between the two parties are not new, however. A clear trend has emerged in the extremism within parties: albeit both have grown more radical, Republican beliefs have grown more extreme compared to Democrats, and Democrats accommodate by growing equally as radical, as depicted in Voteview, an online, live collection of congressional votes since the 1960s. Now, Democrats and Republicans refuse to agree on what kinds of issues currently afflict the U.S., much less create the solutions to address them. Political tactics, such as filibustering to induce gridlock, are commonly utilized in Congress to prevent any actions of real merit from passing—the 112th Congress has passed fewer laws than any Congress since the 1800s, according to the American Political Science Association. Incredibility in legislation and the media also exacerbate their relations and misconstrue each other’s respective beliefs. At the moment, the American public lacks trust in information and politics.
This growing rift between the parties not only creates tension in the parties’ interactions within the government, but also pits citizens against each other. A 2016 Pew Research Poll found that 35 percent of Democrats viewed Republicans as ‘immoral,’ and 47 percent of Republicans shared similar sentiments toward Democrats. Such negativity is reflected in the recent rise in hate-related crimes, especially since Trump’s election as president in 2016 (Anti-Defamation League). Intergroup violence has become normalized, and discrimination of various forms have become permissible under the guise of a political view. When people see enemies in place of fellow citizens and humans, this is a clear regression in morals for all those involved, irrespective of party.
Peninsula is not immune to such aggressions. At the mere mention of controversial issues, such as the Black Lives Matter movement, immigration policies, abortion and more, prejudices immediately flare up before even a single attempt at civil discourse. This cannot continue. If we truly want to promote a campus abundant with respect, then students must also demonstrate respect for each other. Knowing the difference between an opinion and an ethical decision is also paramount in finding compromise between the two polarized bodies on campus and beyond. Supporting extremist, borderline terrorist groups such as the KKK and neo-Nazis is not a conflict in opinions—it is a conflict in morals.
Regardless of who assumes the presidency, both parties must come to terms with the outcome of this presidential election. This may seem like a daunting task, given the current political climate, but it is a necessary step to preserve our democracy. As such, we must hold our elected politicians accountable for their actions and their consequences moving forward. We cannot keep excusing inappropriate behavior for the sake of remaining bipartisan or denying the increasing radicalism of both parties, particularly Republicans. Furthermore, we must not be afraid to have educated, respectful discussions with those who have different beliefs if we ever hope to come to peaceful compromises and resolutions. However, we must not blur the line between human rights and political affiliations: this cannot be compromised upon. In the wake of one of the most politically divided elections America has ever seen, it will be up to the people to push for changes, both through their vote and their treatment of others. Divided? We will fall. But if we unite, one day we can truly stand on the equal grounds that America continues to work towards.
