Americans are becoming more polarized, and it’s not all the fault of gerrymandering.
In a massive poll of 10,000 adults, polarization was called “the defining feature of early 21st century American politics.”
That comes from the Pew Research Center, which has managed to keep above the partisan fray while delving into the opinions of Americans.
Polarization is reflected in our personal lives, our lifestyles and what we believe is really important.
In short, Americans today are talking past each other.
A FEW EXAMPLES
■ The share of Americans who are consistently conservative or liberal has doubled in the last 20 years.
■ It is so bad that about 40 percent of Democrats and Republicans have extreme opinions about the opposite party. Many feel the other party is a “threat” to the nation. This comes through in ideological media like talk radio, Fox News and MSNBC. Civil discourse is in jeopardy.
There is almost no ideological overlap between Democrats and Republicans, which helps explain why moderates are dropping out of politics.
■ About 6 in 10 consistent conservatives and liberals say all their friends share their views. So when people say everyone they know agrees with them, they are telling the truth.
■ Lifestyles are different. Democrats are more likely to prefer the close spaces of cities while Republicans are more likely to prefer the open spaces of suburbia.
■ Liberals are more likely to say racial and ethnic diversity is important. But conservatives are more likely to say it is crucial that people share their religious faith.
■ Moderation is gone. Just 40 percent take a number of liberal and conservative views, down from 49 percent 10 years ago. But that doesn’t mean they are moderate. People today are more likely to hold a mixture of more extreme conservative and liberal views.
■ And “my side must get more than your side” is what passes for compromise these days.
THREAT TO THE REPUBLIC
When partisans increasingly distrust and even dislike their opponents, it could have serious consequences for our democratic republic. It is not only based on an involved and informed electorate but one in which there is a presumption of good will.
Americans are as split as during the height of the Vietnam War.
The generation gap today is just as extreme as during the 1960s.
This editorial page seeks to foster civil discussions through its letters, opinion columns and the Email Interactive Group.
We need to be able to discuss difficult subjects openly and respectfully.
We need to actively listen and digest the views of others before interrupting with ours.
“One nation” means respecting people even when they may differ with our views.