Polarization of America

Americans remain politically polarized not only because of social and systemic disagreements, but because their political standing has become fundamental to their identity. In Why We're Polarized, Ezra Klein discusses how polarization continues due to limitations such as the two-party political system, the vilification of opposing parties, and Americans' continued distortion of the line between political identity and identity. The lack of political diversity in America has forced the average person to struggle to find a political representation that completely

aligns with their perspective on how they approach real-world issues. And with the risk of the problems people believe to be crucial to their everyday lives being overshadowed by an opposing political party, Americans become overprotective and defensive as they fear their concerns being neglected, and compromise begins to feel like a personal attack on their identity.

One crucial factor that contributes to polarization is the inflexibility of the two-party system. As Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quotes, "In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, but in America, we are" (Cortez). AOC demonstrates how, even with a diverse opinionated group of politicians in each party, representatives are limited to two sides. This negates the reason for nuanced topics and ideas to be discussed, because the current system encourages voters to characterize their political beliefs to one side rather than the other by reducing complex problems into oversimplified concepts. Klein argues that when only two options exist, politicians use their platform "to focus on how bad the other side is" (Klein 63). This theory is still relevant in today's politics, as Democrats and Republicans alike manipulate public support by exploiting and blaming the opposing side, using the media as their tool. Flashy titles such as "Democrats are as Bad as The Scum They Protect" on Fox News and "Republicans are a Mess of Life" on the National Review attack the other side rather than supporting their own policies, furthering the divide in politics.

Moreover, Klein believes that by emphasizing the flaws in a party, politicians can unite their supporters against said enemy, because at the end of the day, "in elections the feelings that matter the most are often our feelings about the other side" (Klein 62). However, Klein also uses the concept of political "mega-identities" to explain why politics has become so personal and polarized. Klein states that support of either the Democratic and Republican parties has infiltrated all parts of life and has become so predictable that politics has become a "mega-identity," considering "all the psychological and behavioral magnifications that implies" (Klein 69). As this becomes more normalized, policy disagreements become attacks on one's beliefs, culture, and in some cases, race and religion. And with a country built on the premise of freedom and individuality, when one's personal identity is under threat, tension arises. Increasing the division Americans see today, because instead of seeing their political ideas as negotiable and fluid, Americans see them as an embodiment of themselves.

Ultimately, the two-party system, denunciation of the opposing side, and Americans' misunderstanding of political identity are at fault for the polarization of American politics. Even though efforts have been made in current politics to bridge the gap between each party, the media has instilled a sense of pride in the American people that reinforces their partisan identity and their loyalty to their party. However, until Americans become willing to change their narrowed view of politics, America will remain polarized and divided. Yet there is hope for the future as new generations move to become more open to embodying "one nation indivisible by god".