Essay Sample on Political Divides in US Widening: Students Should Look Abroad for Solution

Introduction

Rose-Berman (2019), argues that the political rift in the USA is widening day by day. Furthermore, he suggests that students should be encouraged to study abroad to give them exposure and a better understanding of what's happening around the world. Indeed this will help in resolving some of these political differences. American citizens are continually identifying themselves more with governmental policies of the Democratic and Republican parties, which are the major political parties in the USA. Dunlap and colleagues (2016) note that being Democrat or Republican is increasingly more critical in how people see themselves. The polarization significantly affects the making of policies by congress which works to the disadvantage of the democratic systems of the government.

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Berman insists that national service programs are very crucial in offering a remedy to the differences in America. The programs assimilate college students in volunteer activities. It entails engaging them to provide social and economic development abroad through technical assistance while promoting a mutual understanding between Americans and the people benefiting from these programs.

However, allowing regular interactions and encounters between students from different colleges can help counter the situation. Such communications equip the students with a deeper understanding of different people and diverse cultures that consequently define America (Berman, 2019). American polarization results mainly from what's happening inside it (Parent & Bafumi, 2012). But, through constant engagements, the students can be able to comprehend the critical issues affecting America. Combining views and different experiences from such students are vital to solving such political rifts. Moreover, enabling American citizens to know more about each other will aid in curbing polarization that is adversely haunting the USA.

Socialization amongst the students not only enhances their knowledge but also enables them to learn the skills needed to become more informed and emphatic citizens in the larger society. Besides, socialization is an aspect that goes beyond interaction and fosters potential friendship between the students. It, in turn, creates a platform whereby the students engage in social activities together, resulting in mutual benefit for the students.

The polarization factor can still be associated with some merits despite facing so much criticism. Those who cling firmly to a robust political reference can stand firm against eminent enemies. The politicians are in a position to gain support and mobilize high turn out when campaigning negatively against the opponent. It is right according to the social influence theory, which suggests that people tend to change their opinions in a group to fit in it. Henderson (2017), notes that many people use the decisions of others to navigate their own lives. However, its demerits are far more consequential. It creates an environment for antagonism to prevail. It weighs heavily on income distribution, whereby high-income Americans link with the Republicans as the low-income Americans side with the Democrats (McCarty et al., 2003). It ends up affecting families, organizations, and workplaces. It is the root of violence and has given rise to intergroup violence based on hatred over the opposing group. Moreover, the campaign field is even more antagonistic, whereby the candidates are tearing down each other instead of drumming up support for their manifestos. Measures should, therefore, be put in place to curb the menace before it gets out of hand.

A politically polarized America is a clear reflection of a divided nation. It contradicts fundamental American values and doesn't fit within the ideals of the American vision. Therefore helping Americans learn more about each other is a great idea that will help them understand their values and also appreciate each other. It is only through the interaction that the Americans can find the solution to the rift that exists in their country.

References

Bafumi, J., & Parent, J. M. (2012). International polarity and America's polarization. International Politics, 49(1), 1-35.Dunlap, R. E., McCright, A. M., & Yarosh, J. H. (2016). The political divide on climate change: Partisan polarization widens in the US. Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 58(5), 4-23.

Henderson, R (2017). The Science Behind Why We Follow the Crowd. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/after-service/201705/the-science-behind-why-people-follow-the-crowdMcCarty, N., Poole, K. T., & Rosenthal, H. (2003). Political polarization and income inequality. Available at SSRN 1154098.

Rose-Berman, I (2019). How College Students Can Bridge American Divides: 'Study Abroad' in Alabama or New York. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2019/08/19/heal-democracy-bridge-divides-study-abroad-at-home-column/1997298001/