Political Polarization Essay

Polarization is defined as “division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or belief.” Political polarization is defined as “the difference in supporters’ political ideas on policy, issues, and candidates forming a gap between individuals and parties.” Americans tend to the lineup with the political party that closely relates to their personal values and beliefs. Americans have always struggled to decide on the right political course of action for the country, forming a divided on critical issues. Voters have different views on important political issues creating conflict and increasing the polarization. The primary cause of political polarization is difference between political parties but is also formed through race, gender,

One of these cultural changes in society is the rise in racial and ethical diversity in politics. Since President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964, there has been a shift in politics regarding race. On the day of the Civil Rights Act signing President Johnson said: “I think we just delivered the South to the Republican Party for a long time to come.” The signing of the Civil Rights Acts would forever change America and set off a chain reaction in the political parties. After the signing southern white conservatives left the Democratic party and joined the Republican party. Leaving behind the liberals and minority groups including African Americans and Hispanic. Racial diversity still heavily divides American society. Some may even consider the United States segregated and unequal in terms of racial voting. The minority groups such as African Americans and Latinos tend to lean toward the liberal party. While the major of the Republican party is white, wealthy, upper-class individuals. The Liberal party also has many minorities that struggle to receive education, job opportunities, and proper housing. Their difference in lifestyle creates the racial gap in political

To be fair, the political parties have always disliked each other. But in recent year the divided has become broader among political parties. The divided between political parties has become so strong that different party members do not even what to be in the same room as each other. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center shows that 63% of conservatives and 49% of liberals say most of their friends share the same political values as themselves. Opposite party members are no longer engaging with each other to share political views in a friendly manner, people want nothing to do with the opposite party. This is partly because people tend to drift toward people with the same values. From Polarized: Making Sense of a Divided American written by James Campbell, it states that “Nearly half of Americans (49%) were either liberal or conservative in the early 1970s. This increase to about 56% by 2012.” Americans today are identifying themselves more and more as either Liberals or Conservatives increasing the political polarization in the United