Successful Relationships Reading Corner

In the last weeks, we’ve written about individuality, core values and total acceptance. But this week, the election results have been so close that I suspect nearly everybody on both sides is upset by them, so instead I’ll talk today about differences in politics. The political divide is incomprehensible to people across the spectrum. Instead of presenting the arguments of both sides, let me suggest a different division that will clarify your reasons for opposition.

Why Has America Become So Divided? “For many of us these days, it feels as if the United States has never been less united. The nation, it seems, has become irrevocably fractured along political and ideological lines — Republican/Democrat, liberal/conservative, red/blue, etc. Sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner with family has never been more uncomfortable and the admonition to avoid discussing religion or politics in polite company has never been more apropos. What has happened to America? And how can we reverse the trend?”

How Identity, Not Issues, Explains the Partisan Divide “U.S. politics increasingly looks like a savage battle between left and right. Consistent with closing ranks in a battle, Americans are expressing policy opinions that align more and more with their political groups. Of all conflicts between groups in America, partisanship is one of the most divisive, with 86% of Americans seeing strong conflicts between Republicans and Democrats.”

Why are political discussions so intense? A video that Phil made. “Political arguments are emotional at base. This video identifies the two core emotions that animate liberal and conservative positions and suggests which one is a better fit for humans.”

Tell your friends!