Consensual America

America's current political stance is quite unique compared to the rest of the world. I agree with my classmates, that conflict has taken over our country, but even though a majority of Americans have opposing political beliefs, we still are a common people who strive for success.

Yes, our country has encountered a variety of conflicts throughout the past and continues to do so, but this is normal in everyday society.  If everyone had the same minds and believed in the same things, our country would not be diverse, but instead boring. The overwhelming diversity of our country is what makes it so great and unique.

There are so many things in this country that unite people, but it is often forgotten due to the hate and anger that define America. In a consensual political culture, it is normal to disagree on decisions.  This divide is what strengthens our country.  Just like in Federalist #10, the factions that engrave our country are what reinforces the government.

Two factions that so often divide us are the Democratic Party and the Republican Party.  More often than not, both sides are arguing against one another and disagreeing on major decisions.  The underlying basis of both parties, however, are the same.  Just like Hilary Clinton mentioned in her concession speech, she believes in America's core values, and so does President Trump.  These values (personal liberty, equality, democracy, civil society, individualism, and religious faith and freedom) are what unite America's  political culture.

We spend too much time stereotyping, instead of actually learning other peoples' way of life. You do not have to be a Republican to like President Trump, just as you do not have to like President Trump to be a Republican. In David Brooks article, "One Nation, Slightly Divided," it is explained "that there is no cultural gap at all among suburban voters.  In a Red State like Arizona suburban voters' opinions are not much different from those in a Blue State like Connecticut."  We, as a people, are more alike than we think.  Too often we put labels on things that change our views.  Like Brooks mentions, we cannot judge others way of life, especially when we do not know their situation or circumstances.

Here, the orange person can be represented as a conservative 

working together with liberals, visa versa.

Not everyone is born with the same privileges or beliefs, and some have to work harder than others. Growing up, I have always been told that "life is not fair," when really, life is what you make of it.  Everyone in America wants to live the "American Dream" and have a stable family with enough money to support their kids.  Everyone wants to have a home and a car to call their own.  Everyone wants to be happy and free.  Liberal or Conservative, Red state or Blue state, Americans from all around the country do have these things.  Even with completely different backgrounds, people are more similar than they know.

We cannot and must not let stereotypes and labels impede on the success of this ever growing country we call "home."  We cannot allow hatred and division to be the cause of national debate.  Instead, we must come together, as the common people we are and always have been.  We must express our beliefs to others in a peaceful manner.  And we must lead in unity and create a stronger, indivisible
nation for our future.