Simran Sharma ’22

The two-party system in the United States dates back to 1792, with the Federalist Party, founded by Alexander Hamilton, and the Democratic-Republican Party, founded by James Madison and Thomas Jefferson. The ideals of these two parties were different from those present in the party system , but the precedent set by their division is one that has lasted throughout our history as a nation. It is worth mentioning that this political divide was foreseen and condemned by the very same men who caused the split. In the Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison both detailed the dangers of domestic political factions. Famously, even George Washington detailed the threat of conflict and stagnation associated with political parties in his “Farewell Address”. Had these men heeded their own advice, or the advice of the first POTUS, perhaps we wouldn’t find ourselves in the political climate defining the headlines of today.

Fast-forward to the present day; what is  one of the biggest societal  rules which we find ourselves forced to adhere to? Don’t talk politics. It’s a topic which has been stamped with the scarlet letter, deemed dangerously personal. But politics are simply impersonal. It is the deep-rooted disparities which have manifested into disdain between both ends of the political spectrum that elicit such fervor. Political conversations are considered taboo, not because the subject is intrinsically divisive, but because we allow it to be.

Now, this is not to say that we shouldn’t form and hold firm to our own ideals. The beauty in this modern era is that we have a wealth of knowledge at our disposal, and we can pair this information with our morals to establish our political stances. However, there is a thin line between fierce belief and a closed mind. The polarization which plagues our nation will not be conducive to creating lasting change going forward, but will rather further a climate devoid of conversation.

Politics are subjective, which is why multiple parties exist in the first place. Treating our inclinations as factual has led to the political turmoil we see play out in the media every day. If you’re a Republican, you’re deemed racist, and if you’re a Democrat, you’re a snowflake. These generalizations paired with unwarranted aggression have created a palpable hostility between the left and right. Of course, there is basis to the differing stances on both sides, meaning that disagreement is inevitable. It is how these disagreements are dealt with that has created the deadlock between both ends. In so many cases, it is no longer about coming to a constructive resolution, but rather attacking the other side. Naturally, both conservatives and liberals hold that their positions on issues are the best. This is important to creating legislation in our country, but when no one is willing to listen, it leads to a mundane standstill which is detrimental to our progression as a nation.

The reason why there are clear party lines is because people align themselves with the ideals which they believe are most conducive to the betterment of the United States. In the case of politicians, true morals may be muddled by monetary incentives, but the average American sides with what they believe in. Yet, politics in this country have become a moral battleground filled with genuine hatred. While both sides may not agree with each other, most Americans have the same objective in doing what’s right for society. 

Given, certain ethical issues which are poorly handled under the political microscope deservedly cause outrage, but shortcomings in morality such as racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., can not be wholly conflated with one side and considered a defining trait. Similarly, simply deeming a whole side ‘annoying’ or sensitive because they don’t agree with you is not a valid argument, nor is it helpful in creating any meaningful change.

Gen Z. We’re supposed to be the most tolerant, politically-involved generation to date. While the latter mostly holds true, we seem to be doing no better in the open-mindness aspect – after all, we have been brought up alongside the rise of digital media. This should have cultivated a culture which celebrates diversity of thought through countless channels of communication. Instead, however, we are perhaps the worst offenders in the political war. We are stubborn. While our ability to hold steadfast to our beliefs and our advocacy of these beliefs on social media have done worlds of good, it has been taken to a fault, demeaning others on account of their surface-level political beliefs. We pride ourselves on being independent of the prejudice of our parents, and thankfully, most of us are. However, our generation holds biases of our own.

Ultimately, as with so many historical disputes, the issue lies in generalizations. Once a person is known to hold a certain opinion on one topic, they are suddenly assumed to fit a certain mold. There is so much fluidity in politics, which is why it’s a spectrum, not a binary. While it may be true that certain stereotypes are grounded in truth, they don’t apply to every person. We have imposed certain political boxes into the mainstream, but fail to realize that most people don’t fit these cut and dry labels. While most people lean left or right, it doesn’t mean that they fully align with the traditional Republican or Democrat label. At our core, we are people, not political puppets. Aligning with certain principles towards either side doesn’t necessarily translate to always voting on party lines.

The now normalized way in which both sides abhor each other has led to a nation divided. Amidst the unprecedented murder of George Floyd, there has been a surge in support for the BLM movement and a strong sentiment towards police reform. This has sparked a heightened amount of hostility between the political left and right. While there are certain specific issues which could be points of contention, the basis of this movement, eliminating racism and implementing policies against police brutality, seems to be a given of common human decency. This situation is not an issue of conservative or liberal, but rather of humanity. Yet, still, it has been defaced into a political battle.

Granted, some tension between the left and right is fundamental to a two-party system. If there are two defined sides, vying for control to implement legislation based on their beliefs, there is bound to be a power struggle between them. However, the degree to which this tension has escalated is unwarranted. How is it a widely accepted norm for people to attack each other based on their beliefs? This is not a defense of extremism on either side, as the attack on that is warranted. But we have closed our minds to each other, and we are bound to suffer because of that. Is this a commentary on the failings of a two-party system as a whole, or on the antagonizing which we have chosen to succumb to? Is the hostility an inevitable product of the system, unavoidable by human nature? Honestly, this I don’t know, but we should come together as people, not parties, to discuss it.