I attribute most of the division in today’s political climate to a zero sum game played by the extremists. It’s rarely “Let’s see if we can work together to find a solution,” but more likely “I have to win and you have to lose. Not only that, but you must be destroyed in the process.”
A significant problem is the loss of “nuance” when discussing any political issue. Nuance is what allows us to see shades of gray instead of everything in a binary black or white universe that holds no connection to reality.
I can support a strong border policy, demanding those who enter the country do so legally and within the rules, and not be racist or isolationist.
I can believe Joe Biden may be past his prime, and not be “ageist”.
I can strongly disagree with former president Trump that Russia “can do whatever the hell it wants” and not be a member of the “liberal media elite” (whatever the heck that means).
I can support Israel as a nation, see Hamas as a terrorist organization and not be anti-Palestinian.
I can be pro-Second Amendment, yet still question whether civilians should have armor piercing rounds, high capacity magazines and be in favor of ownership restrictions applied to those with mental incapacity.
I can support the police, and still question the “militarization” of law enforcement, rolling up on a scene in up-armored vehicles, armed to the teeth in a situation in which the threat is minimal.
I can support emerging green technologies, yet still drive a fossil-fueled vehicle because I know that isn’t just some economic switch you can flip and magically eliminate climate change.
I can choose to get a vaccine while allowing those who are opposed to make their own personal choice.
I can make a choice as to what I believe, but allow you the freedom to believe differently. I may try to convince you of my point of view (and you can do the same), but that doesn’t require I vilify you personally if you disagree with me.
In my mind, that type of subtlety is one of the more resplendent aspects in our society, and too much missing from the current discourse.
Context matters. So does nuance. It keeps you from seeing every problem as a nail and you need to get the biggest hammer.
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