As politics have become increasingly polarized in the past decade, it's less common for people with different political views to interact and for Democrats and Republicans to work across the political aisle. As exemplified in recent election cycles and the events of January 6, 2021, the moralization of politics has deepened the divide. Siloing along political lines can truly be dangerous, according to UMD Assistant Professor John Blanchar.
John Blanchar
“The increasing moralization of politics has deepened the divide between Americans on the left and right. What was once ‘I disagree with you’ is now ‘you’re a bad person.’ The worst possible reason why someone may hold a differing viewpoint is assumed the only possible reason.
Adding to this problem, Americans are siloing along political lines within their social networks, living communities, and news sources. The result is echo chambers that reinforce people’s political beliefs in polarized directions. If an event occurs there are now two distinct versions that become dominant on the left and right. I have described this process as the bifurcation of social reality, and it has grim consequences for our ability to trust and cooperate with each other, much less determine what’s true and false. It’s total war all the time.”
About John Blanchar
Assistant Professor John Blanchar teaches in the UMD Department of Psychology at UMD's College of Education and Human Service Professions. His research focuses on political psychology and often touches on specific events and news. He studies why people are more liberal or conservative; political polarization and intolerance; voting behavior; morality; and the culture wars, more broadly. Read more about his study on the Moralization of Politics here.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (218) 726-7874