Do you ever get the feeling that the two sides in the political extermes are getting more and more distant from each other now that there are alternative forms of press?
It seems to me that anyone can find any kind of news that validates them, to the point where they simply don't have to expose themselves to anything that they don't disagree with...
Can this end well?
It seems to me that there's less need for things like compromise, constructive discussions, moderation, and tolerance.
This is bothersome to me. I think many people lack the necessary skills to carry on civil disagreeing discussions without taking it to a personal level.
Can anything be done about this tendency? Or will we continue to drift apart from each other? What types of things can make a difference in your life? How have you found ways to deal with the polarizing effects of political biases and differences in people you care about, but don't share your personal politics?
Do you simply avoid the topic altogether?
And is that a healthy solution?
--Ray
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I'm not slow; I'm special. (Don't take it personally, everyone finds me offensive. Yet somehow I manage to live with myself.)
A good example of this is how Hillary, Obama, and Edwards are not going to participate in the Fox News debate that is coming up. They say Fox is "too biased". So should Republicans not go to a debate hosted by CBS?? It's insane. I agree that it is not good for the country to be so polarized. It is ominously suggestive of the pre-Civil War period, when the North and South could hardly talk to each other anymore.
I have been able in my life to have great discussions with people on the opposite political pole. I find it helps to be willing to accept that they are not always going to agree with me, and to allow them that right. When I dismiss them as misguided or as uninformed, then I am making a judgment as to their character. I try instead to understand where they are coming from, and to make reasoned and (hopefully) persuasive arguments for my perspective. It also helps if I only hope for incremental gains in changing their view, rather than a drastic conversion. It is also important to not be trying to "win" the debate for the sake of winning. People can sense that, and resent it. Instead, I look at it as a teaching opportunity. It also helps if I am willing to concede that their side has some merit, even if I think it is misguided.
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I'm not voting for Ron Paul because it's not expressly prescribed in the Constitution.
This is why I force myself to read alternate viewpoints, even if they're stupid. I don't just listen to the local conspiracy theory talk radio channel. I listen to other channels. I read alternate viewpoints on the net. I don't immerse myself in alternate viewpoints. I have to maintain my sanity. But I do make sure I try to understand where they're coming from.
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If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! - Samuel Adams
My best friend since childhood is a very left-winged liberal Democrat. She's also a loyal wife to an inactive, very jaded member husband, a devoted mother to two "cream of the crop" children (she'd like more, but hubby doesn't) and a faithful, service-oriented member of the Church. I respect her a great deal. We talk politics all the time. It's interesting and we like to talk about the times we live in. Besides the usual family business, politics takes up most of our email content. I think what makes our differing viewpoints "work" for us, is that there is a foundation of respect and trust. I trust that she is doing what she feels is right in light of the Gospel. I trust she is not some commie whackjob disguising herself to deceive me. I will listen to what she has to say and try to "listen with the intent to understand instead of with the intent to respond." (I think that's Covey.) She will do the same. I forwarded her the immigration video that was posted here and she agreed with every word. When I see that her position is valid, I will agree with her.
I think it boils down to the point that we both have a testimony of the Gospel and we trust that we are out for the good of the other, not to win some debate. We're also close enough friends that we can talk very frankly to each other without offence taking place. We get down to the "nuts and bolts" of why some position bothers us and speak plainly about it and why we may see it as opposing the Gospel.
When I notice myself starting to feel morally superior in my political views, I remind myself of her Church service, her steadfast honesty, her undying devotion to her children and husband, etc. and I'm reminded when it comes to actually living the Gospel, (not just theorizing) I am not superior to her in any way and I try to take off the "teacher" hat and see what I can learn from her.
P.S. She loves Obama.
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Life is tough but it's tougher if you're stupid. -John Wayne
I think the two parties are such polar opposites that on most things they will never come together. On some key topics such as the 2nd ammendment, gay marriage, abortion, and national defense, I don't want my guys compromising. You can't compromise your key values and core beliefs. If that leads to polarization then so be it. I would rather be right than just give in to get along.
You're right, Jason. You don't want to compromise principles just to get along. But still, it is useful to know why, for instance, some people advocate abortion. Many who advocate it aren't sadistic baby killers, they're just deluded into thinking that it's just a lump of flesh and morally equivalent to having a tumor removed. Understanding their position doesn't mean that I agree with it. And you're right, on those issues where there is no middle ground we will become increasingly polarized.
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If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom, go from us in peace. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen! - Samuel Adams
It's insane. I agree that it is not good for the country to be so polarized. It is ominously suggestive of the pre-Civil War period, when the North and South could hardly talk to each other anymore.
