Activity Eleven

A major intercultural conflict that is happening right now relates to the increasing polarization of the two major political parties in America. This is not a new conflict, but one that has been escalating since before we were born. The current state has gone beyond what has ever existed in the past, arguably. There is basic divide lies in the belief of what the government's role should be, either handling protection and security, such as the military and leaving the internal affairs to the individual states and the private sector; or, to put the responsibility of government in domestic affairs of caretaker and regulation, such as overseeing health care and providing public services.

A large part of how bad the divide has gotten has less to do with the actual politicians themselves, and more to do with the sensational story that it has become in the media and the fact that the most extreme voices have found a voice there. The extremes are on both sides. Journalistic practices have tended much more toward the editorial and tend to sensationalize every conflict. This narrative has been picked up by both sides and used to demonize the opponents. Watching add campaigns gives a very clear demonstration of this, what is usually seen is less about the qualifications of the candidate and more about the malfeasance of his/her opponent.

The major conflict issues have to do with what exactly the role of government should be, the role of separation of church and state, views on immigration, gun control, and many more. There are no end of issues that are very divided; however the real issue is not the fact that there is major disagreement, but the conflict styles being used to address the differences of opinion and the demand of individuals in the political scene to adhere to the tenants of the party(s) and the punishment of descent on minor issues.

The two major styles that are being used to address political debate in America tend to be the Dominating style and the Avoiding style. These are not good strategies in combination. Every issue is being taken as an attack by the parties, and the other in turn responds in kind. This leads to a shouting match in which the conflicts grow increasingly dire and no real solutions are found. The issues that neither want to touch are ignored, or avoided even when they are glaringly obvious, and demanding of attention. Such as natural disasters, eg. the current oil spill, neither the government or BP seems to be doing very well in coming up with a realistic solution.

The entirety of the conflict will never be resolved, but having discourse is healthy in a democratic system, if both sides listen to each other. The best solution to the problem of the exteems and lack of practical action would be to actually have real debate, real conversation and actually have both sides listen to each other. Instead of attacking they would be able to reach some kind of compromise that would lead to a workable solution. Perhaps, no one would be completely satisfied, but when allowing the wide range of diversity that is promised in America, if the system is working right compromise that all can live with is inevitable.

Do you think that having a real discussion with practical problem solving is possible in today's political climate?

What do you think would help bridge the political divide that is happening today?