Is American Political Culture Conflictual or Consensual?

Although culture in America can appear consensual at times, we are truly a divided nation with a conflictual political culture. In Donald Trump’s first speech as president, he says that he “will be the president for all Americans” and that he will seek “partnership and not conflict” with all people and countries. However, in a previous speech announcing his campaign, he mentions that Mexicans bring drugs and crime. He then claims that they are rapists.  These rash statements have stirred up debate amongst Democrats and Republicans over how to handle situations regarding immigration. Democrats argue that a wall should not be built while Republicans deem it necessary to keep out illegal criminals.  Since Donald Trump’s election, there have been additional controversies over same-sex marriage, abortion, and healthcare. Since Americans hold such varying opinions across the board on different issues, is it possible that we could live in partnership and not conflict? Although political leaders may appeal to a consensual sounding future in their speeches, the reality is that we are divided.

In David Brooks’ “One Nation, Slightly Divisible,” he describes two moral systems. “Red America (where the majority of Republicans live) is traditional, religious, self-disciplined, and patriotic. Blue America (where the majority of Democrats live) is modern, secular, self-expressive, and discomfited by blatant displays of patriotism.” In the CNN Crossfire debate, the Democratic Governor of Illinois, Pat Quinn, argues with the Republican Governor of Texas, Rick Perry, over raising the minimum wage. Quinn and Perry exhibit their respective stereotypes during the debate. Quinn argues that the most important thing we can do is raise the minimum wage so that families can better support their children’s education. He does not understand why Perry would not raise the minimum wage for the 5 percent of Texans that rely on minimum wage jobs. His opinion has a progressive nature that is about change for the future.  Rick counters that the most important thing we can do is “create a climate where job creators know they can risk their capital, have a chance to keep as much of that as they can, and keep people at work.” His opinion to not raise the minimum wage for Texas shows financial discipline since raising the minimum wage would surely destroy jobs. Perry argues that in order to pay a group of people more money, another group of people would have to be fired. He does not see that as fair, and therefore, is against raising the minimum wage. His traditional opinion to keep things the way they are shows his Republican views, and he fits the mold of Brooks’ descriptions.

Brooks also argues that “ When it comes to yard work, they (Republicans) have rider mowers; we (Democrats) have illegal aliens.” This quote speaks volumes about how Democrats are concerned with society, and Republicans are concerned with the individual. The Political Ideologies Infographic also supports this conclusion. When Quinn and Perry argue about healthcare, these stereotypes are present. Quinn does not understand how Perry would not want to accept federal money from Washington to have more Texans with health coverage. Perry argues that Texas has “over 70 federally qualified health clinics” and that accepting Obamacare would bankrupt the state. Quinn’s outlook for the well being of all people shows the democratic belief of “one for all and all for one” (Political Ideologies Infographic). He believes that everyone should have Obamacare, and that it is a great opportunity. Perry looks out for the well-being of his individual state when he says that Texas will not accept Obamacare. Focusing on the individual is a republican ideology.  He also expresses the republican ideology of self-reliance when he mentions that Texans can choose from over 70 health clinics in the state.

The Crossfire videos themselves are examples of the political culture of America. When a governor had a difference in opinion, he would either laugh to show his disagreement or talk over the other governor. Differences in opinions could easily be seen amongst the governors. Not to say that they disagree on everything, though. Both Democrats and Republicans agreed on helping veterans, but not much more.  I agree with Brianna when she mentions that the governors in the Crossfire videos would constantly engage each other to segway off of their own problems. For example, when Newt Gingrich asked Quinn about oil fracking in Illinois, Quinn questioned Perry’s motives for not adopting ObamaCare.  He ducked his question by creating a conflict on the floor that would insight remarks from the Republicans. Similarly, Brooks’ “One Nation, Slightly Divisible” is written in an instigating tone against Republicans. Although Brooks himself is a Republican, he references himself as a resident of Blue America mentioning that it is “my part of America.” He describes Republicans as “racist and homophobic” and says that the men of Red America, “wear faded black t-shirts they once picked up at a Lynyrd Skynyrd concert and wrecked jeans that appear to be washed faithfully at least once a year.” By describing them as filthy and racist, Brooks expresses his animosity of the Republicans.

America has a conflictual political culture due to the clashing political ideologies that will never see eye to eye. Although it would be ideal to have everyone agree, our culture will never be consensual due to our strong differences in opinions.

The cartoon above helps show how strongly some people view political parties.

1. How does the illustrator of this cartoon help Americans understand our divided political culture?
2. How does the family in the cartoon above view Republicans? How does this make the daughter feel?
3. Do parents always pass on political beliefs to their children?