How Did We Get Here?

The divide in our country is open and obvious. In my relatively short lifetime this is definitely the most divided that I have ever seen our nation. But even though my experience is limited, I can tell that we are in a bad shape. It�s almost like we Americans have forgotten that we are a part of the same country and that we all want our country to succeed. So how did it get so bad? How did we get here?

            In my opinion, it seems that on both sides of the aisle we have stopped trying to understand our opponent�s views. We resort to name-calling without taking into account the experiences that may have led a person to disagree with you because of their views. Taking a dive into the comment section of any political post nowadays is like entering a war-zone. And it�s because we have allowed ourselves to be alienated from those that differ from us with their political beliefs because we think that we are always right. Any contradiction to what we say is wrong and any person who challenges our opinions is some sort of idiot. Looking at our president, he is truly a representation of our country that does not know how to handle civil discourse without it inevitably becoming a yelling match filled with insults.

            The issues on the table right now are important. So the way in which we debate these issues need to be about the issues. It�s not about bashing or name-calling, but trying to understand the point of view of your adversary. Only then can you compromise and make progress. Calling a conservative a �racist� or claiming that a liberal is a �snowflake� is counterproductive because it divides us. It worsens the wound that our nation is trying to nurse. None of us were around during the Civil War, but it originated from this problem. It was born when sectionalism trumped nationalism. The people during that time forgot that they were on the same team, and it shook us to our core.

            I�m not saying that we should all join hands and distract ourselves from the issues, but we have to be able to argue without a verbal war breaking out. Everyone adopts their views and beliefs for a reason, so degrading someone for their views without understanding their background is ignorant. It was Michelle Obama who said, �When they go low, we go high.� So take the high route and take action by protesting, and standing up for what you believe in, and not wasting your time by insulting strangers on Facebook who happen to have a different opinion than you.