In today’s world of discourse, it is a simple fact that the divide between the left and right has increasingly grown, as people view the opposing side more as enemies, rather than people they can work with. It’s a thing called political polarization: a driving of political attitudes towards the extremes of the left and right on the political spectrum.
Scholars often debate the causes of this, but some factors include the rise of social media, and with it, the rise of easy-to-spread misinformation and echo-chambers (places where you hear the same opinion over and over again, not hearing any differing opinions or facts to back up opposing opinions). With outrageous misinformation and strongly held opinions, it becomes impossible to view the other side as having any valid stance, as people can’t possibly fathom why one would hold a view opposing their own, even though there may very well be a sensible reason.
Many say we should mitigate and oppose this polarization, saying that if these attitudes continue they will only lead further to the extremes. This could cause violence between those of differing political stances and may even lead to a civil war and the collapse of the country at its furthest extent. Some say it is important to mend the divide, so we can be unified as a nation and stand strong against any challenge we face together. However, in this age of progress and reasoning, it is important to wonder: should we embrace this polarization? Rather than trying to mend the divide, should we just further it, as part of the natural progress of humanity? Why don’t we instead take it to the next level?
Why don’t we just kill people we disagree with?
This solution would solve a lot of my problems, as although many “experts” and “scholars” believe in varying opinions on different topics, I know my opinions on, like, 95% of things are right, without a doubt. Whether it comes to big important topics like who should be president and how the country should be run, or small things like why pineapple is fine on pizza or what is considered a good movie, I am 100% right on these topics and I am, quite frankly, tired of dealing with people always complaining and disagreeing. I think each of us should create a list of the people we disagree with, and then just go ham. I disagree with quite a few people, so my list would be quite long. Food for thought.
HAPPY APRIL FOOLS!
– (In)Sincerely,
The Gator’s Eye
