The State of American Divisions: History, Democracy, and Education

Recently, the topic of American divisions has garnered significant attention. The current state of national divisions does not seem unique, as history provides numerous examples of similar divides. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and through various eras of the 20th and 21st centuries, America has always been a country marked by significant ideological and social divisions. But why do you think this issue is prominent now?

A Natural Part of Democracy

The nature of democracy includes a mandate for free expression. When opinion A is advanced, opinion B counters it, often with intense fervor. In the process, neutral views often get lost in the narrative. This phenomenon is not unique to America and can be observed in other global contexts as well. India, for example, has seen opposition parties vilify leaders, painting them in the darkest strokes while sometimes failing to deliver a lasting narrative.

The Role of Media

Media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and exacerbating divisions. During the ongoing pandemic, for instance, the political impact is still felt, creating a challenging environment for President Biden. Similarly, partisan 24/7 news media can provide a relentless barrage of information, which often keeps the public engrossed in the wrong narratives, lobbying for increased attention for their sponsors.

Lack of Education and Critical Thinking

The root cause of this division lies in the lack of education and critical thinking. The political system in the USA is designed to maintain this divide, ensuring that the populace remains uninformed. This mirrors approaches in the Middle East, where educating women is actively suppressed, as it undermines the level of control these leaders maintain. The rest of the world perceives America's domestic issues as an IQ test, and the performance so far has been underwhelming.

Historically, America has always been contentious, which might actually be a strength. Letting it all hang out and thrashing through differences can lead to a messy and unpleasant experience, but it can also be productive. Civil unrest, while unpleasant, is one of America's core competencies. It has often been a catalyst for change, driving progress through the messy process of dialogue and conflict resolution.

It's important to acknowledge that the current state of divisions is not as severe as some historical periods. For instance, the late 1960s through the 1990s saw far worse racial, ethnic, and political turmoil. Events like the "Days of Rage" highlight the intensity of the struggles and conflicts in the past. Focusing on the actions rather than the words can provide a clearer picture of the true state of civil unrest.