America: A Divided Nation

 

Even though culture in America can be seen as consensual at times, we are a diverse nation with a conflictual political culture. As seen in Donald Trumps first speech he spoke as president, he says that he will seek "partnership and not conflict" with every person and country. However, in past speeches by Trump, he said that Mexicans bring drugs and crime, claims they are rapists, and much more. This claims Trump made show how debates have been made between Democrats and Republicans on the topic of immigrants. There are many issues that stir arguments between both Democrats and Republicans such as Trumps wall being built, abortion, health care, same-sex marriage, and many more controversial topics. With all different opinions and viewpoints on these various topics, in can easily be shown that we are divided and seems to be for the best. There is no way as seen by past events that we as a nation can agree a lot and consensual enough to be called a nation of "partnership and not conflict". Therefore, America is conflictual as seen by many events and more to come.

 

above shows the dispute of democrats and republicans

 

 

National conflicts are often argued between the two major groups, often called the Blue America, being the democrats and the Red America, being the republicans. In David Brooks, "One Nation, Slightly Divided", he talks about the "Red America is traditional, religious, self-disciplined, and patriotic. Blue America is modern, secular, self-expressive, and discomforted by blatant displays of patriotism"(Brooks). As seen by the article, political cultures can be seen very differently resulting in complete opposite political opinions. With these differences, each group, red and blue, have their own viewpoint of what is right and what is wrong. This shows the diversity in America and how everyone does not feel the same as everyone else, disagreeing on many topics. I agree with Maddie Cossette on the topic of stereotypes. She says that the article Brooks wrote is very stereo typical as seen by the harsh viewpoints each side claim the other side are. And with the stereotypes, it creates even more diversity in America, supporting that we are a conflictual nation. I agree strongly on what Maddie says along with other classmates on the stereotypical opinions people label the Red and Blue Americas because these stereotypes can cause dispute and annoyance between the parties as well as controversial topics, created and leaving an even harsher and deeper divide between the people of America.

In the video, "The Bad Map We See Every Presidential Election", it also explains the diversity between the states, in reference of red and blue states, and how its stereotypical. There are a mixture of Red and Blue states on the map, with the ones in the middle being Democratic while the states on the coast are Republican. However, this map doesn't correctly show the proper amount of electoral votes each state gets according to the number and size. This means the larger states do not get as  many   

                                                           this image shows the stereotypical Red and Blue Americans 

     

votes as the smaller states, which can be shown incorrectly in the video. The map is a

stereotypical actualization of the amount of votes, but not the true amount. This can cause anger between the larger and smaller states on the amount of votes each state gets, showing division between the states rather than solving and having no conflict.

With the differences between the Red and Blue states just with stereotypes, there are many types of arguments between them. Along with electoral votes, there is the arguments of abortion being right, taxing and minimum wage, healthcare, gay marriage and other topics that create an even deeper division between the people, Red and Blue states. The political disagreements come from the different political viewpoints, values, beliefs, and many other things. There has not been an agreement between both parties and  believe their will not be anytime soon. Due to their completely different opinions and beliefs, America can be called conflictual, having a deep division between all.

Essential Questions:

-Do you agree that America is conflictual? Why or why not?

-Do you disagree and think America is consensual?

-Do you think their can be a resolution to this division?

-How do you think this divide came to be?

 

Sources:

-https://youtu.be/hlQE4IGFc5A?list=PLBP5-ztbrxpMahjj_hE57sABEgqE9xfJq (1st video in series)

-article by David Brooks