The polarization and gridlock afflicting America come down to what I’m calling “extrepublicrats,” there are people on both the left or the right that hold extreme views. Their whole identify is defined by a hatred of “the other side.” Extrepublicrats are characterized by their unwillingness to compromise, their hostility to opposing viewpoints, and their tendency to view the world through simplistic and partisan lenses.
The extrepublicrats are the cause of much of the political strife in America today. They’re so entrenched in their own views that they cannot see beyond themselves to see that we’re all human and that we more or less want the same things. Sure we might not agree on how to get there, but the overall goals are the same.
Unfortunately, by completely dismissing “the other side” as evil, they make it impossible to collaborate. We have an environment where neither side is willing to budge, resulting in legislative stalemates
It’s no wonder why they are the ones who cause all the trouble – they want things to be simple and black-and-white, so they refuse to consider alternative perspectives or enter into meaningful dialogue with those on the other side of the aisle.
Where Do They Come From?
There are a number of reasons why extrepublicrats are becoming more common.
People are angry. Extrepublicrats are often motivated by a sense of anger and frustration. They feel that the system is rigged against them and that their voices are not being heard. They are also often motivated by a sense of fear. Modern life moves fast, and it can be overwhelming. Oftentimes, fear of change and of the unknown makes us look for the safety of those who think like us.
When folks are economically insecure, they tend to look for someone to blame. This often means looking to the other political party and demonizing them instead of trying to find a solution. Political hacks thrive on scapegoating. By pushing a false narrative that one side is to blame for 100 percent of the problems, they can keep their base energized and motivated.
There’s also the power of the media. Too often outlets focus on sensationalism instead of facts, which only serves to fuel the fire of divisiveness in our country.
The loudest media and political leaders are the ones demonizing whoever doesn’t agree with them.
When people are constantly hearing negative messages about the other side, a hostile attitude towards them is only natural. Without understanding the motivations and opinions of those they disagree with, it’s easier to paint them as villains by simplifying complex issues. With the news cycle being dominated by social media and 24-hour cable news networks that thrive on sensationalism, it’s not surprising that extrepublicrats feel all their problems are someone else’s fault.
Extrepublicrats are often attracted to conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories provide a simple explanation for complex problems. They also provide a sense of control and order in a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable.
The rise of social media certainly hasn’t helped. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have made it easier for people to find and connect with others who share their views. This has created echo chambers where extrepublicrats can reinforce their own beliefs without being challenged.
Another reason for the rise of extrepublicrats is the decline of trust in institutions. With good reason, people no longer trust the government, the media, or other institutions. We’ve all watched as the institutions that are supposed to be there to protect us have deteriorated and the hands of lousy leadership. As a result, many people feel that no one is looking out for them and that they must fend for themselves. This has led to a sense of distrust and alienation, which has made people more susceptible to extreme views.
The election system promotes polarization. The American primary system in combination with gerrymandered electoral districts has also played a key role in the increased polarization. Both parties have put together powerful coalitions that are increasingly entrenched in their views. Politicians and elected officials don’t feel the need to work across party lines or compromise on issues.
The result is an environment where extrepublicrats thrive. They push a narrative of fear, blame, and mistrust, which only serves to divide us further.
The Powers That Be Want Us Divided
Although it seems like it wades into conspiracy, the fact is that a divided electorate helps those in power.
By putting us in different boxes, advertisers can sell products more easily. Marketers also know that by getting people to identify as part of a certain group, they can make them more loyal to the product. Extrepublicrats are no different – they are often very loyal to certain brands or political causes
By keeping us fighting with each other, we ignore the real, fundamental causes of so much trouble in the world. With us preoccupied with how bad Democrats or Republicans are, those in power can stay that way.
The powers that be like the status quo just fine.
Reality is Complicated
The world is a complex place, and there are often no easy answers.
The complexity of reality and limitations in our biology often lead us to look for simple solutions or explanations for a complicated and nuanced reality. Our brains are wired to seek out patterns and make sense of the world around us.
We want to be able to understand why things happen and to feel like we have some control over our lives. But the world is increasingly unpredictable and complex. It’s often difficult to make sense of everything that is going on. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
In order to cope with this uncertainty, we often try to simplify the world around us by looking for simple explanations or solutions. We look for simple explanations, like a political party, person, or company being responsible for whatever is bothering us.
This can be helpful in some cases, but it can also lead to us making inaccurate or biased judgments. When we try to simplify the world too much, we may miss important details or fail to consider all of the possible factors that could be contributing to a situation.
If we want to make the most of this life, we need to be open to ambiguity and uncertainty. We need to be willing to learn and grow. We need to be careful about the information we consume. We need to be critical thinkers.
We’ve Got To Come Together
The rise of extrepublicrats is a sad reflection of the state of our country. They are increasingly making it difficult to have civil conversations about important issues. They are contributing to the polarization of our society and making it more difficult to find common ground and solve problems.
But it doesn’t have to stay this way.
Extrepublicrats are still people. They are not evil. They are simply people who have been led astray by false information and conspiracy theories.
It is possible to reach extrepublicrats. It is possible to change their minds. However, it takes time, patience, and understanding.
If we want to address the problem of extrepublicrats, we need to start by understanding them. We need to listen to their concerns and try to understand their motivations. We also need to provide them with accurate information and help them to see the world in a more nuanced way. If we make a better world, a lot of their concerns would go away.
It is not going to be easy, but it is possible to change the minds of extrepublicrats. It is possible to restore civility to our political discourse. It is possible to heal the divisions in our society.
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