Question

How can different perspectives on an issue divided a nation? Do different perspectives on certain issue nation today/ cause conflict? Explain.

Answer 1

Different perspectives on issues such as political convictions, economic interests, and moral values can significantly divide a nation. Factors like political sorting and cultural forces contribute to polarization, which has led to political gridlock in the US. Historical examples show that conflicts reflect the context of their era, with modern conflicts still driven by similar foundational desires.

Step-by-step explanation:

Different perspectives on an issue can divide a nation because they often touch upon deeply held beliefs and values, such as freedom, equal opportunity, and democracy. Political convictions, economic interests, and religious or moral values play a significant role in shaping these perspectives. In the context of American society, polarization between different groups is particularly evident, with disagreements on various issues like federalism, government shutdowns, and the role of government in addressing social and racial justice either domestically or internationally.

Polarization can be attributed to a number of factors including sorting, changes in party allegiance, and demographics. While some degree of polarization is natural in a democracy, excessive polarization can lead to political gridlock and impede the ability to address critical issues. Looking at the impacts of cultural forces and the presence of strong leadership, we see how nations can be either divided or united. An anthropological approach using holism considers how economic, political, and moral factors interact and contribute to polarization, suggesting possible pathways to productive dialogue.

Historical conflicts and perspectives are often reflective of their era's context, as seen in issues that once divided the nation, such as sectional differences that ultimately led to disunion in the 1860s. Today's conflicts may be driven by similar desires for power, wealth, or autonomy. The role of political parties and their differing stances on federalism further exemplify how different viewpoints can fuel division yet also be seen as a dynamic element of the political system.

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

The United States is caught in a partisan hyperconflict that divides politicians, communities—and even families. Politicians from the president to state and local office-holders play to strongly-held beliefs and sometimes even pour fuel on the resulting inferno. This polarization has become so intense that many people no longer trust anyone from a differing perspective.

Drawing on his personal story of growing up as a fundamentalist Christian on a dairy farm in rural Ohio, then as an academic in the heart of the liberal East Coast establishment, Darrell West analyzes the economic, cultural, and political aspects of polarization. He takes advantage of his experiences inside both conservative and liberal camps to explain the views of each side and offer insights into why each is angry with the other.

West argues that societal tensions have metastasized into a dangerous tribalism that seriously threatens U.S. democracy. Unless people can bridge these divisions and forge a new path forward, it will be impossible to work together, maintain a functioning democracy, and solve the country’s pressing policy problems