The Evolution of Political Discourse: From Light-hearted Co-mingling to Cultural Divide

When one looks back on the earlier decades of television and stand-up comedy, a golden era of comedy existed where people could laugh without feeling the weight of offense. The likes of Don Rickles, Mr. Warmth, and Dean Martin, who starred in beloved roast shows, created an environment where humor transcended political correctness. Yet, the question arises: how has America changed to the point of being so divided?

Changing Dynamics in the Political Arena

The shift in American politics can be attributed to several factors, including the changing demographics, the strategic missteps of the Republican party, and the weaponization of political differences by external parties. Party professionals once understood the importance of respecting changing demographics, but the GOP leadership chose instead to embrace intentional division to defeat their opponents.

This divisive strategy has proven effective in some respects, but it has come at the cost of fostering feelings of frustration, disagreement, suspicion, distrust, and ultimately, hatred. The Russian influence in cyberwarfare has amplified these divisions, making the situation more challenging to resolve. Any attempt to tarnish former presidents, such as Obama, suggests a deep-seated political bias or a lack of objectivity.

The Gradual Incorporation of Politics into Everyday Life

In earlier times, political disagreements were largely kept separate from everyday life. Elections happened every two years, after which citizens returned to their routines without much concern for who was in the White House. Issues of politics rarely arose in casual conversations; people would discuss movies, music, sports, or even the weather. If the topic did come up, it was usually a non-issue, with differing political views being seen as mere personal preferences like pizza toppings or concert tickets.

Over time, however, politics has increasingly seeped into every facet of our culture. Movies, music, and television shows now often carry political messages, while actors, musicians, and athletes make public declarations about their political beliefs. Even weather has become a political hot button, as climate change and policy debates tie into daily meteorological events. Social media and a 24-hour news cycle have only exacerbated this divide, creating echo chambers and reinforcing existing beliefs.

The Cultural Impact and the New Political Divide

No longer do neighbors who vote differently hold the status of a decent person with odd beliefs. They are now vilified, their views seen as destructive and outside one's social circle. Conversations with close friends and neighbors are replaced by discussions with distant political pundits and strangers through social media. This shift has led to a fracture in local communities, where people are unwilling to address local issues among themselves and instead turn to state and federal governments to solve problems.

As politics becomes the dominant cultural force, there is no longer a venue for political disagreement outside of cultural divisions. Local issues are overshadowed by national debates, and local solutions are supplanted by federal intervention. The result is a fragmented society where political discourse has become a substitute for local community engagement and decision-making.

Understanding the evolution of political discourse is crucial to navigating the current landscape of American society. Recognizing the factors that have led to this cultural divide can help us consider how to foster a more cohesive and unified community, where personal beliefs and political affiliations coexist without inciting divisions and hatred.