All of us know that the United States is politically polarized. Most of us believe that such polarization has become more entrenched in the past 20 years or so and that it is terrible for the country. It tears apart friendships, families, political parties, the ability of government to function and the sense of community which is the foundation of our political system and way of life. Some believe that it has the potential to destroy the country. It is arguably the most critical issue facing the country. On the other hand, there are some who applaud the current polarization. They regard ideology and political group loyalty as more important than social and political cohesion.
The purpose of this SDG is to explore the origins of polarization in the U.S., both historically and in more recent years, to analyze the current reasons for, and results of, polarization, to analyze its seriousness and to consider what can be done to reduce it. The descriptions in the schedule of weekly topics suggest subjects which deal with these issues.
The bibliography suggests books and some articles. The Klein book and the Blanchet book will be required. There are many articles in newspapers, in magazines and on-line, and the number is increasing. Many are well reasoned and will become part of the readings.
1. Were Seeds of Polarization Planted in any of: Colonial America, Declaration of Independence, U.S.
Constitution, Early Years of U.S.?
2. Instances of Polarization in 19th Century: Civil War, Know-Nothings, Reconstruction, Gilded Age
3. Effects on Polarization from Isolationism vs. New Deal in the 1930’s, McCarthy Period, Cold War
4. Effects of Post-Cold War Economic Issues, Including Immigration, Global Economy, Loss of Factory
Jobs, Inequality in Education
5. Effects of Non-Economic Motivations, including Religion, Geography, Philosophy, Race
Relations, Alleged Elitism, Personal Responsibility
6. Governmental Issues, Including Gerrymandering, Congressional Actions and Inactions, Political
Donors, Supreme Court Decisions
7. Political Extremists and Extremist Organizations: Why Do People Become Extremists and Join
Extremist Organizations? Why Do They Applaud Polarization? Can They Be Brought Back to the
Mainstream?
8. Have Recent Events, such as Covid, Indictments of Trump, Ukraine, Abortion Decisions and Street
Demonstrations, Made Polarization More Intractable?
9. Can Institutions-- Schools, Churches, NGOs, Large Companies –Help to Reduce Polarization?
10. Are changes in any of the following likely to come into effect, and would they be likely to help in
combatting Polarization: Roles and Tactics of Political Parties, Federal Constitution, Senate and
House Rules, Role and Regulation of Social Media, Reinstatement of Fairness Doctrine
11. Is Polarization in the U.S. Part of a Worldwide Trend Toward Polarization and/or Extremism? Can the
Principles of the Peace Processes in Northern Ireland, Serbia/Croatia/Kosovo and/or South
Africa be Applied Here to Reduce Conflict?
12. Can Principles of Psychology and Conflict Resolution or Promotion of Meetings of Individuals with
Opposing Views Be Effective in Reducing Polarization? Is It Possible to Agree on Common Goals?
Is It Possible to Restore Respect for Opposing Positions?
13. Assuming that Polarization continues, what can be done to insure the continuation of representative
government, civil order and social cohesion?
14. In the Last Analysis, Is Polarization in the U.S. Inevitable? Can It Be Reduced? Can We Co-Exist with It?
Ezra Klein, “Why We’re Polarized”
Zachary Elwood, “Defusing American Anger”
Michelle Blanchet, “Preventing Polarization”
Gary Mason, “Rethinking Conflict”
Christoher Caldwell, “The Roots of Our Partisan Divide”
David Brubaker, “When the Center Does Not Hold”