What is Polarization Doing to Our Society?
by Robert W. Wendover

I grew up in a family that loved to debate the issues – politics, social policy, music, you name it. I still cherish the opportunity to argue with
friends, colleagues or anyone willing to go a round on the topic at hand. While the discussion may become heated, it is always good natured and
respectful. It’s not personal. It’s collegial. That’s the magic of a good debate. But healthy debate has fallen out of favor. Most media-reported discourse on any topic appears more as a rush to judgment than balanced analysis.  As my children mature into adulthood, I’ve grown troubled by the polarized messages they hear broadcast daily rather than a balanced portrayal of the issues being discussed. I have been struck, for instance, by the battle that has erupted over responsibility for the conditions resulting from hurricane Katrina. Local officials complain about the incompetence at the federal level. Federal officials point fingers at the supposed lack of local planning. Pundits choose sides and vilify their favorite targets. Reporters shove microphones into victims’ faces hoping to get a sound bite for a particular story angle.  Meanwhile, those of us at home wonder who’s portraying the situation accurately.  The reality? None of them! They are all co-conspirators – Right, Left, Conservative, Liberal, Republican, Democrat, and of course the media which enables all of this in the name of news and information. Natural disasters are not the only fodder for this kind of diatribe. Supreme court nominations, public education, healthcare, religion, social welfare, even the arts all fall victim to this vitriol.  But what is this polarization doing to our society and especially the emerging generations?  Young people do not possess the perspective of their elders. With so many competing, but absolute points of view being thrust at them daily how are they supposed to develop and maintain a balanced set of beliefs? It’s not possible to simply take an average of extremes.  More importantly, there is polarization’s impact on the development of young people’s societal view. If we are to trust them with our future, we’ve got to help them understand that few decisions involve black and white points of view.
This nation cannot survive by simply siding with our friends and vilifying our enemies. After all, no position is ever completely right or completely
wrong. By polarizing issues, we discourage the collaboration essential to the rich fabric of democracy. 

Polarization encourages racism. This nation has struggled for years to come to terms with past injustice. While we will never witness the complete eradication of this cruelty, we’ve made significant steps in providing equal rights and inclusiveness. Yet there are those on both sides of the issue who continue to foment unrest based on
self-serving interests rather than a genuine desire to improve the human condition. Sadly, some in the media choose to report these extremes, thereby accentuating the divide. While this practice may momentarily improve reader-ship or viewership, it further polarizes the issue.

Polarization misleads those unfamiliar with an issue. We are dependent upon the media to inform us. Those who thrive in this world seek to understand the challenges ahead. But we expect these issues to be presented in a balanced way. More and more of the news however, is being driven by those who make the most noise, create sensational
events, or simply capture the media’s attention. If you want your point of view on the air, you better present it in a way that will draw viewers.
In the past 20 years, much of the news media has devolved into quasi-entertainment.  Broadcast personalities have become celebrities,
computerized graphics obscure the message, and grisly images shock and sadden us daily.  But imagine growing up in a world where most news is dominated by angry people, horrible images, and endless violence. That’s what today’s kids are experiencing. 

Polarization vilifies legitimate players.  Why would anyone run for office? Individuals who stick their toes in this water have to be prepared for scrutiny that is both fair and unfair. They have to be prepared for questions that are posed with a biased agenda. They have to be prepared to refute allegations that are planted by an opposition bent on discrediting them even though the allegations are bald-faced lies.  Much of this behavior is reinforced by so-called “opinion-makers.” While everyone has a right to their point of view, some “opinionmakers” seem to have more rights than the average soul. It is not unusual for public figures to be castigated for every slip of the tongue that typically results in a shift of focus from a true evaluation of the person’s overall performance.  Not only does this misinform those seeking answers it also dissuades many of the best and brightest from taking positions which will expose them to this unrelenting scrutiny.

Polarization manipulates outcomes by those with the most resources or influence.  On any given day the average citizen can be as right or wrong as the average pundit. The only difference between these two is influence. But what a difference that can be! When young people watch
talk show hosts yell at each other or entertain guests who make personal attacks in the name of moral justice, what are they to think?    Is it any wonder that many have abandoned broadcast media for the Internet? Yet sadly the news and information presented in this medium can be just and misleading and virulent; in some cases more so because of fewer regulations. The unfortunate result is a generation who tunes out the national debate since they fail to relate to it. Who wants to watch people your parents’ age arguing over issues that don’t seem to affect you?

Polarization discourages debate. As much as I enjoy a good debate, I have become increasingly circumspect about the people with whom I share my views. While some of this is a result of age and wisdom, a good portion is paranoia. Is it any wonder that teachers have trouble stirring up a healthy debate? Not only have many students tuned out from the issues, the teachers find themselves walking a fine line.  Heaven forbid they should espouse a point of view that a student finds offensive. They might end up in the principal’s office. (Am I allowed to invoke Heaven in an article like this?)

Polarization prevents developing minds from embracing the many facets of an issue.  As an instructor, I sometimes use class debate to encourage learning. I’m careful however to ferret out individuals’ leanings on the topic before assigning sides. Then I deliberately empanel students on the side diametrically opposed to their beliefs. While there are the expected protests of unfairness, there is no better way to appreciate an opposing viewpoint than to have to argue it.  Unfortunately, most young people are not encouraged to consider all facets of an issue. It is too tempting to accept what’s broadcast or printed in the daily news. Of course, this laziness combined with polarization does have its price. How many of us have lamented that after talking with someone who seems to have little grasp of an issue that “s/he has the same vote as me?"

Polarization impacts self-esteem.  Does one have to agree with a position to be accepted?  To belong to certain organizations and faiths, yes.  To simply associate with a group of people at work, at school or in the community, no. But imagine being a youngster who witnesses a classmate being “shot down” for simply speaking his mind. That same child might ask, “Do I want to stick up for what I believe in, or have friends?"  Children emulate what they see adults practice.  What impact will the polarization of our society have on these impressionable young people?

Polarization discourages discernment of right and wrong.  In a world that has become increasing relative in its beliefs, polarizing arguments identify nothing but the faults. Today’s media tends to emphasize what’s wrong before mentioning what’s right, it can be hard for anyone, let alone young people, to form a balanced image on critical issues.  What will this present emphasis on polarization produce over time as the next generation assumes responsibility for society? I don’t know about you, but I’m working hard to teach my kids the art of the balanced debate. 

Robert W. Wendover is the Director of The Center for Generational Studies. Contact him at wendover@gentrends.com

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