Zhang Guoqing, a Chinese scholar, commented on American politics in The Beijing News:
Over the past two years, the health-care reform that Obama has advocated has created a vast divide within American society and between diametrically opposed political parties, while immigration has separated the American people into two camps that cannot bear the very existence of the other… Against the background of a high unemployment rate, and the trouble in stimulating the economy, this type of social divide presents enormous hidden dangers.
What do you think are the most serious 'hidden dangers' in having the type of social divide described above?
We have seen countless historical cases of how politically polarized climates can lead to unrest and violence. An American example would be the Civil War, which resulted from two groups with irreconcilable ideologies. The lack of a political middle ground promotes instability. I personally think the greater income distribution inequality is a one of the main contributors to this polarization. Typically, countries with a great divide between the rich and poor, are not very viable or sustainable. I'm worried.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ashley, I think income distribution inequality is the biggest reason why our country is divided amongst two completely different ends of the political spectrum. Issues like the health care reform, which directly effect the entire population, I believe lead to increased polarization and as a result can lead to this unrest and violence that Ashley has mentioned.
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated, this is why the two main political parties have completely separated from one another. The disparity of incomes has changed the perception of each individual, especially now with the economy as bad as it is. People are becoming very stingy about where there money is going and, sadly, people are taking violent action about it. The Chinese scholar is right...watch out for more violence to occur.
ReplyDeleteIn my American politics class, we read material which argued that the majority of the American population is more towards the center/is more moderate but it is the politicians and the political parties (D, R) that tend to be off center and towards the opposite ends of the spectrum. If this really is true and the people are more moderate then what implications does this have for the current political system that is present in America? Should there be a third party that is more moderate? If both the existing parties come towards the center than their differences will become increasingly marginal so that obviously won't happen.
ReplyDeleteBeing from a third world country, I still see American society as in a pretty good shit. The American dream post WWII specially became one of creating the middle class and with the help of consumerist/capitalist trends this has been quite successful. While the gap may very well be expanding, to fear more violence and dramatic dangers, I feel, is exaggerating the problem.
We definately started covering this topic towards the end of class Tuesday, but I found what Richard said about campaiging efforts very interesting.. Like any competing forces, when trying to advocate for your side, things may tend to get somewhat hostile, but things are starting to get out of control!
ReplyDeleteEven watching the video about the tax recall, there was a strong sense of aggression and frustration with many of the speakers voicing their oppinion. The say actions speaks louder than words, but I hope the only action going on is on paper and in policy, not harm and violence within our political system
As stated above, I think inequality in income distribution as well as public leaders and politicians who are polarized into Dems and Reps appear to be some of the biggest factors contributing to America's political divide. This divide is clearly causing threats and acts of violence not to mention prejudice and judgment between classes. It's times like this (a recession) in which American citizens need to come together the most and look out for the common good of our country. The question is, how does a country filled with citizens who view issues behind biased/closed-minded eyes and who only look out for their own self-interest, come together to help in the recovery of the country as a whole?
ReplyDeleteAlso, referring back to the recent shootings.. what I can't fathom is why so many Americans' first instincts to hearing about this tragedy were to relate it to politics. People were instantly pointing fingers and blaming opposite political parties. Why does it have to be about politics? What happened to people instantly coming together, no matter what political party they're from, and showing compassion for these victims and their families instead of emotionally detaching themselves and pointing fingers?
I believe in part that the political parties are so polarized today is due to income inequality, greed, and whatnot previously stated. Could the parties be so distanced today because they are seeking attention? People used to identify with a specific party, but the systems are so vilotile today, polticitions throw themselves way right or way left in order to get votes.
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