On Our Political Polarization (July 9, 2024)
I am not a proud man. I don’t have the slightest problem begging. And so it is with expert-level solicitation that I implore you to read, share, re-read, and bookmark today’s link. It’s about the psychology of our polarization and it is fascinating. It’s also uplifting, because the scientific studies it cites have found yet again we are not nearly as divided as we think we are. In fact, it is the belief we’re so divided that fuels a large part of our divisions.
Maybe that sounds like a lot of claptrap to you, and not that long ago I would have agreed. But not that long ago, I thought the other side had all kinds of crazy beliefs, this despite never meeting a living person who believed them. According to the studies, that’s not uncommon. It’s actually pervasive. We’re terrible at knowing what others think. And we’re equally bad at giving them the benefit of the doubt for it.
To wit: in my discussions with people on both sides of the aisle, I try to make the point that the vast majority of the other side is more moderate than cable news, podcasters, and talk radio would have them believe. More than once, the person I was speaking with said, “Yeah, you’re probably right,” thought a few seconds, then added, “But there are people who believe [insert most extreme thinking of the other side here].” I’ve been as guilty of this as anyone, and I regret it. Because if my argument is that the 5-10% fringe of the opposing party negates that party’s best reasoning, then by honest extension, the 5-10% fringe of my party ought to negate my party’s best reasoning. I don’t want to be on the hook for those people. Nor should I be. I don’t care if that 5-10% is yelling on TV every day, which is where you’ll find them. That doesn’t make them representative of the 90-95%. (A study in the link addresses how we fall into the trap of believing it does.)
So, with all that said, please read today’s link, share it, discuss it. And when you need to find it again, it will be in The Top 10 section where it belongs.
P.S. Yesterday, I received my first pledge. I don’t know if the donor would like to be mentioned by name, so he’ll remain anonymous, but I do want to say how much I appreciate his generosity. His donation covered the cost of moving One Daily Link over to Substack. Equally important, it is an incredible motivation to keep at the site and do the best job I can. Thank you. You’ve made my week.