It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.

Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.

Thank you.

 

Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.

 

Why so much polarization? Seek neutrality.

page: 1
4

log in

join
share:

posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 08:41 PM
link   
I was a raised republican from a very young age. One day, after looking closely at my own political programing and the ideologies of the left, I asked myself, why would anyone want to be considered left or right leaning? I mean isn't polarization, in itself, unstable? Severe prolonged depression is just as unhealthy as prolonged mania. The mood oscillations in bipolar disorder are even worse, so it seems that the most stability comes from have an even tempered mental attitude. Politics shares so much common grown psychology, so again, why is everyone so quick to affiliate with the left or right? You rarely hear people talking about centrism, political moderation, libertarianism.

Thankfully, I grew out of my republican insanity years ago. I resonate more with libertarianism, though I do have some dissenting ideas (as any sane person should). I don't believe in the legalistically charged legislation of morality sponsored by the right (much of which comes from Christians who don't understand their own Bible). Nor do I agree with the leftist idea that a centralized federal government is there to supply our basic needs. I would rather succeed and fail at my own cost...even if it kills me.

So when I see threads taking cheap shots at one side in an attempt to defend their own gang, all I see are people who openly admit that they are hopelessly psychologically unstable. They are motivated by spite, not by the preservation of our eroding freedom. They are scared to death of what might happen if their own party loses control of power. It takes courage to let go, to stop pointing the finger at the other side, and stand in the middle with the least popular of all kinds of people.

So if you are politically polarized, ask yourself, what is fueling your polarity?



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 09:00 PM
link   
a reply to: BELIEVERpriest

You are assuming that your lack of conviction applies to everyone.

While I agree that Republicans and Democrats don't accurately reflect my personal beliefs; I can assure you I am a very conservative person and that has nothing to do with political party.


edit on 2017/10/18 by Metallicus because: (no reason given)



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 09:00 PM
link   
I was raised evangelical christian. So you can only imagine the political affiliation in my house. My mother was a staunch republican. My father served in 'nam and couldn't give rat's ass about either party.

But mom was a rush Limbaugh, right wing fanatic.

As i got older i realized i leaned closer to the left.

But i saw the flaws there.

After a few strange experiences and some knowledge gained from sites like this, i saw the truth.

Neither party REALLY have our best interests in mind. It's about lining pockets while pandering too he public. This administration and all those I've lived through are the same.

What is really surprising to me is that this site has become so divided.

I thought that we all agreed that tptb are looking out for themselves and not us

This last election has really opened my eyes about this site.

A shame really.. . .



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 09:07 PM
link   
It's always been bad, but its taken on a whole new level the past couple years with trump. There seems to be no middle ground. You either support trump no matter what, or you absolutely hate his guts. I don't get it.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 09:29 PM
link   
a reply to: Metallicus


You are assuming that your lack of conviction applies to everyone.


I don't think individualism constitutes lack of conviction.

I think OP is asking why people choose a side or team so to speak.

As a whole, both sides of politics have proven to work towards common agenda while the populace argues talking points fed to us. Meanwhile our rights have been stripped by both parties strengthening the patriot act. We remain at risk of the internet getting regulated.... The list goes on.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 10:08 PM
link   
a reply to: BELIEVERpriest




So if you are politically polarized, ask yourself, what is fueling your polarity?


Unity. Countries with single-party governments tend to be theocratic or socialist.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 10:13 PM
link   
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

True. I'm not advocating a single party system, I just don't understand why the vast majority would naturally choose polarization over neutrality.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 10:20 PM
link   
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

We were founded off of individualism, our founding fathers warned of a two party system.

Either way you cut the pie, both parties have been screwing the populace.

To much money in politics. Maybe it could work, but it's not.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 10:27 PM
link   
a reply to: CriticalStinker

Here here



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 10:32 PM
link   

originally posted by: BELIEVERpriest
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

True. I'm not advocating a single party system, I just don't understand why the vast majority would naturally choose polarization over neutrality.



You keep assuming people choose polarization. I am a conservative person. I live a very conservative lifestyle. If anything, my political beliefs are much more moderate than who I am as a person.



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 11:10 PM
link   

originally posted by: Metallicus

originally posted by: BELIEVERpriest
a reply to: LesMisanthrope

True. I'm not advocating a single party system, I just don't understand why the vast majority would naturally choose polarization over neutrality.



You keep assuming people choose polarization. I am a conservative person. I live a very conservative lifestyle. If anything, my political beliefs are much more moderate than who I am as a person.


Seeing as both parties/movements have sold out so hard, I still am pressed to see why it's a badge of honor to support either.

Classical liberalism and concervatives hold many of the same values. Liberty, freedom and limited government are strong values of both old schools of thought.

But both evolved to become closer to one another.

It is possible to pick and choose a stance on individual issues.

Why do people cling to teams so hard? I think it's acceptance and self affirmation.

Do here we are, a country divided on issues that don't truly matter. We get stuck in silly debates over topics that don't really affect us.
edit on 18-10-2017 by CriticalStinker because: (no reason given)



posted on Oct, 18 2017 @ 11:36 PM
link   
a reply to: Metallicus

So essentially, you are a product of your environment? One can choose to be conservative or liberal on a personal level, and still be a centrist on a political level. Its about keeping other people's rights in mind when you vote, or when you support a candidate/party. Just because you are conservative doesn't mean a conservative party is right for the nation. Same goes for liberals. Political centrism allows both personal ideologies to share overlapping middle ground, without threatening to take control of social or economic trends.


edit on 18-10-2017 by BELIEVERpriest because: typos



posted on Oct, 19 2017 @ 02:02 AM
link   
a reply to: BELIEVERpriest

One man's neutrality is another man's extremism.



posted on Oct, 19 2017 @ 08:07 AM
link   
a reply to: dfnj2015

Maybe to an extent, but I don't think its difficult to see that conservatism and liberalism are polar opposites.



posted on Oct, 19 2017 @ 12:27 PM
link   
a reply to: BELIEVERpriest

What is fueling my "polarity"?

Sheer fear and hatred. Purely and simply, fear and hatred. Fear of my rights being diminished to the point I can no longer protect myself and my family and hatred for those who want to rob me of my financial well being and property because of the color of my skin.

Simple enough for ya'?



posted on Oct, 19 2017 @ 01:03 PM
link   
a reply to: TonyS

That's the same fear the GOP feeds on, and they never keep the promises they had no authority to make in the first place. When emotion dominates logic, we lose individuality and become malleable.



posted on Oct, 19 2017 @ 04:18 PM
link   
I remember reading somewhere that when you pick a "side," it automatically reduces the number of people you're fighting against by half.




top topics



 
4

log in

join