Political polarization in America

[Ellsberries]

More and more it seems that being a member of a contrasting political party not only means that opinions differ, but that values and morality differ and that friendship is impossible. I think I even find myself tending towards this opinion at times (i.e. It could be difficult for me to befriend someone who doesn't support gay marriage as I believe on a moral level, that person is lacking...). However, perhaps this has always been around throughout every age and doesn't just reflect the current political situation. Although, on the other side, perhaps this is a new development, and maybe it is justifiable. Perhaps political opinions do dictate someones' morality.

What do you guys think. Is this idea that your political values are a reflection of your personal morality a new development in our culture? Does it even exist? Is it fair/justifiable?

[tpeichel]

Most of my friends are liberals so it doesn't exist in my world. I've found that there are always way more things in common than differences with people on opposite sides of the political spectrum.

[Wickabee]

Political polarization definitely exists. It's turning Canada, province by province, into an American style 2-party system. But why would a country allow itself to devolve and accept what is so obviously the biggest problem in America?

The media.

The media has figured out how to never go out of business. Sure the mediums themselves may change, but media is here to stay and it is the monster that will ruin us all. The 24 hour stations need stories so they have a product to sell alongside advertising to the consumers, you and me. At the same time, they need those stories to sell, since we apparently won't sit through boring news to watch ads the way we will American Idol or the Superbowl. What sells news?

Conflict.

The media has figured out that, if you split the population in half and make them mad at each other, they will eat up the 24 hour news cycle like a skinny Japanese guy at a hot dog eating contest. As long as we're all split in half and at each other's throats, advertising sales will continue to reach new highs while society continues to reach new lows.