The case in summary The American election is characterized by polarization, with the population divided down the middle, especially around topics such as the conflict in the Middle East. The political disagreement has led to many demonstrations, sometimes resulting in violence, but more often in verbal confrontations. An important factor in the polarization is education, with a distinction between university graduates who often live in the cities, and those without higher education who live in more rural areas. According to a researcher, the parties have stopped seeing each other as competitors, but as threats and enemies. The rhetoric of politicians, especially Donald Trump, has contributed to the divisive atmosphere. It is uncertain whether the political temperature will subside again before or after a major violent conflict. The summary is made by an AI service from OpenAI. The content is quality assured by news’s journalists before publication. The American election will take place on Tuesday. Some believe this is the most important election in US history. That it is either a fight to save democracy, or to bring back the country’s glory days. There are steep fronts to say the least, and the population almost seems to be split down the middle. One of the major themes is the conflict in the Middle East. Since 7 October last year, countless demonstrations and marches have been organized in support of both sides in the war. Sometimes when these parties meet, it degenerates into violence, but more often it ends up in dirt-throwing and shouting matches. Saturday was no exception in Dearborn. – Nazi! A group of Palestine activists were out to show their displeasure with the government’s handling of the conflict. It should attract a rowdy fellow on a walk with his dogs who is clearly not afraid to flag his political opinions. – “Shoutout” to Trump!, shouts the man while an appeal is held in the background. At the beginning, he doesn’t seem to get much attention from the protesters, but soon he succeeds in setting fire to a few nearby. Here Joe Bowers shouts his words of support for Trump at the protesters. Photo: Screenshot / news At first it may seem like only a heated discussion. Perhaps not quite peaceful, but still fairly matter-of-fact. Then a man walks out of the crowd. – Fuck you, you fucking Nazi! Get out of here, you fucking fascist! – Are you crazy? It is you who behave like Nazis, replies the Trump supporter. This is the political discussion in the United States in a microcosm, if you put it to the point. Us against them, them against us. Or? – I didn’t know that Incredibly, this exchange of profanities degenerated into a somewhat civilized discussion. Even an opportunity for learning. The Trump supporter’s name is Joe Bowers. His argument is that business people, dictators and military personnel respect Trump, therefore they will do nothing to step on his toes. This includes the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. – But why does he take money from AIPAC, asks one of the protesters. AIPAC stands for American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and is a lobby organization that promotes Israel’s interests in American politics. – I can’t talk about that. I didn’t know that, Bowers replies. A sign that it is actually possible to talk together, and even learn from each other. Even in a climate of debate that the US is currently experiencing. Watch video clip of the discussion between Joe Bowers and the pro-Palestine activists. But why has everything become so binary? Three important factors – The United States has always been a polarized country. Polarization is, of course, both natural and to a certain extent desirable in a democracy. But in the US it has gotten out of control and become dangerous, says Hilmar Mjelde, professor of political science at the University of Western Norway, to news. Hilmar Mjelde is a professor of political science, and does research on, among other things, democracy, American politics and rhetoric. He believes there are three factors that stand out as particularly important. Ideology, ethnicity and education. As Mjelde sees it, the sharpest divide in today’s politics relates to education. It is the university-educated elite, who often live in the cities, versus those without higher education, who tend to live in more rural areas. In addition, the parties have stopped seeing each other as competitors, but as threats and enemies. – Today’s polarization is what we call affective. That is, emotional, and linked to social identity. For many, Democrat and Republican are something you are, and not something you vote for. Rhetoric It is difficult to discuss American polarization without mentioning the rhetoric of the elected officials. When it comes to divisive rhetoric, many point to Donald Trump as the prime example. Nevertheless, that has not stopped Republican representatives from claiming that the Democrats’ use of language is at least as bad and divisive. Mjelde disagrees with that. – There is a fundamental difference. Harris’ rhetoric is within the normal and acceptable range. She calls Trump a fascist, but that is because he has behaved and spoken like a fascist for several years. There is a dead heat between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump only a few days before the election. Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP Mjelde admits that it can seem polarizing, but that it should not prevent anyone from pointing out the facts and distancing themselves from extremism. – Which is what she does when she calls Trump a threat to democracy. You can ask yourself if there is any way back once you have come out so weird. Mjelde believes the political temperature will moderate again, but is unsure whether this will happen before or after a major violent conflict. – The last time the USA was so polarized was in the 1850s, which was the decade before the civil war. If something like this is to be prevented from happening again, there is one group of people in particular who Mjelde believes must take responsibility. – The political leaders must urge moderation. Extremist leaders who stir up trouble can bring democracy to an end. Published 05.11.2024, at 18.20 Updated 05.11.2024, at 19.25
ttn-69
– The last time the USA was so polarized was in the 1850s – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
