There is a problem in America and it’s not a new one.
It has always been a thing that everyone everywhere has their own opinions, values, political ideologies, concerns, etc. We are people of diversity in more than just looks, size and attire, as it should be. If we all thought, looked and acted the same way the world would be a very boring place.
We are successful because we are a diverse country of many different ideas, and talents, and abilities, and perspectives, and wisdoms, and strengths, and beliefs. Our differences are our strengths. When trying to solve a problem you want diverse perspectives and ideas because it creates a plethora of solutions that will contribute to success.
When everyone thinks the same and has similar ideas problems may never get solved or get the best solution because you will be just circling the same ideas and solutions. Think of it this way, if you had only oatmeal to eat, would you want to eat it the same way every time you ate or would you want variations and new recipes to help make it a little bit more appetizing and appealing? Most people would prefer the variety. This isn’t the best analogy but it gets my point across.
The problem is that there seems to be a growing intolerance toward all of our differences and it is becoming radical in the extreme. People are acting on these differences and it’s virulent and sometimes violent. This is scary. This is sad. This is un-American. We are a melting pot.
In politics demonizing the opposition and their party has unfortunately become the norm. I think this practice is wrong and has become pervasive. It is spreading to non political areas. In our world today people are identifying themselves by their political ideology first and foremost which is influencing their behavior toward others and for some their religious identity; if the church they attend doesn’t align with their political views they no longer attend services at that church, they are actively seeking out a church that promotes political divisiveness. Some won’t even associate with people of a different political party. It is also affecting their moral compass. People are saying and doing things that would have been abhorrent to them 10 years ago. I base some of these observations on the book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta. It was a real eye opener. This is affecting all political ideologies. Some people’s attitudes are more toxic than others.
I think that the internet and specifically social media created an environment of toxic anonymity that some people seem to thrive in. They are bold in their criticisms and anger. They don’t seem to care if they offend or cause harm, which seems to be the goal. The political aspect seems to be out of control. There are so many people trolling, rage baiting and shitposting. It is very disheartening. I almost wish that those inventions hadn’t been created.
When I was a kid, I remember being blissfully unaware of politics and political ideologies. I grew up in a small rural town where most people knew each other. I was a younger child of a large brood and most of the time I was overlooked. I liked it that way. I was a flighty kid with a huge imagination and I spent a lot of time alone. I was quiet and shy. These qualities allowed me to go about mostly unobserved (so I could do the observing). I remember my parents talking about politics but not really understanding what they were talking about. But I also remember that adults treated each other with kindness and respect. My parent taught me to be kind and respectful to all adults; I learned from their example. I raised my children to be the same way. My thoughts are that when we pull away from these simple but impactful behaviors we lose our sense of community and humility. I am hopeful that people can return to those values. That politics isn’t the first thing that defines us. That we can celebrate our differences and respect each other’s right to choose what is best for them. That we can return to kindness. That people will realize that being anonymous, cruel and unkind is more of a reflection on them and not on the person they are disparaging.
