American Political Culture: Consensual or Conflictual

There are two theories of how the American political culture works. Some say it is conflictual, meaning many groups clash with opposing beliefs, and some say it is consensual, meaning less political conflict. Overall, American political culture is much more conflictual than consensual, and here is why.

Take antifa for example, the anti facist group aimed to stop facist actions at all costs. This means they use violence. This group commonly clashes with other groups in violent protests. Another example is the Charlottesville riots in 2016. This giant, violent protest was between  the alt right, white supremacists, the KKK, and many more groups. Multiple killings were a result of opposing political beliefs.

Charlottesville riots of 2016

The differing culture in the regions of America contribute to the conflictual politics as well. In an article from David Brooks in 2001, the author discusses “Red States and Blue states”. Red states are southern and rural, and usually have conservative views, while the Blue states are urban ans habe more liberal, left views. He explains how the groups have differing beliefs in religion, and ethics, and we all know how religion can contribute to conflict.

Red vs Blue states, election results from 2012

All in all, American political culture is definitely more conflictual than consensual, because in modern times, it is hard to make compromises on political views.