What better way to polarize Americans than a “good, old-fashioned” election season? Voters have had enough time to sulk, to cheer or to yell at each other — cue the reality check.
On social media, I am bombarded with two truths: people lamenting the results of the election or staying silent about the whole affair. In the storm of virtue signaling and cursing liberals, like all elections, the peacekeepers rise, stating, “Why can’t we all just agree?” or “We can still be friends even if we vote differently.” This proves futile. Friends and families across the country are falling apart once again. Case in point: the Kennedys, a family with deep-rooted political influence, closed in on Robert Kennedy, Jr. after he endorsed President-Elect Donald Trump. Poor Bobby, Jr. — though, it seems the endorsement worked well for his political ambitions. I digress.
Especially with Thanksgiving on the horizon, this widespread division across the United States is disheartening — on both sides. I anticipate many voters will find it difficult to talk to family members who voted differently at the table; however, do think about the silver lining: This ability to openly and passionately disagree is part of what makes America a unique, operational democracy. With public discourse, even when too intense, it paves the way for change and opens the door to new ideas. Many veterans gave their lives to fight for this very cause and, while no one (including me) wants to hear that, it does not make it any less important to remember in this polarized time.
I understand the sentiment behind a post-election kumbaya, but the unfortunate reality is people feel spurned, hopeless and angry by this election. It is not anyone’s place to tell others with whom they should not associate. I would reject someone I knew to be a bigot without hesitation. But, in true American fashion, we tend to point the finger at one another rather than those pulling the strings. And, of course, as many did in 2020, we wonder why our Instagram infographics and rampages on TikTok do not inspire change.
However, the answer is simple: We are often going after the wrong boogeyman. We should direct this unbridled passion for progressive change inward, or I fear we serve nothing but our egos.
