In America today, division is not just a consequence—it’s an industry. Politicians profit from it, and the media amplifies it. We, the people, consume it like a spectacle, convinced that choosing a side is the same as choosing a future. But is it?
The Politics of Division
There was a time when leadership meant service, when governing was about the collective good, not performance politics. But over time, our political system has evolved into a game—one where victory matters more than the well-being of the people.
Political campaigns are no longer just about policies; they are about enemies. It is no longer about building but about tearing the other side down. The battle lines are drawn not on legislative floors but in our homes, on our social media feeds, and in our conversations.
And while violence is amplified, what do most of our politicians do? They hide. They get in line and offer allegiance to their leaders. They abdicate their roles to fight for the people. And that is a different kind of violent act. They hide behind the laws they write, behind bathroom doors and computer screens. They hide behind backroom deals and the fear of losing power. This is a passive form of violence — one that enables the suffering of millions while they secure their positions. Leadership has become less about courage and more about survival within the machine of the system.
Media: The Business of Outrage
Turn on the news, scroll through your timeline, or listen to talk radio. What do you hear? Outrage. Fear. Us vs. Them. The media — whether traditional or social — has become an engine of division. Why? Because division is profitable.
Algorithms don’t reward nuance. They reward rage, clicks, and engagement. The more emotional you are, the longer you stay, and the more you share. And the cycle continues. Fear keeps you glued. Misinformation keeps you loyal. Conflict keeps you coming back.
Violence: A Character in Our National Story
We live in a time where violence is no longer just an action — it’s a narrative. It’s embedded in every part of our culture: our entertainment, our politics, our homes. Violence is the way we resolve conflicts in film, in TV, in the streets, and now, even in political discourse.
We have been conditioned to see our political opponents as enemies, as existential threats rather than fellow citizens with different perspectives. And when you view someone as an enemy, anything feels justified — shouting them down, silencing them, even harming them.
Where Do We Go From Here?
We have a choice. Do we continue to feed into this cycle? Or do we take a step back and recognize the manipulation?
We need to break free from the algorithmic cages that keep us divided. We need to demand better from our leaders — not performative outrage but real problem-solving. We need to reconnect with people outside of our political bubbles, to listen, to think critically, to question.
Choosing a side is easy. Thinking for yourself is harder. But if we ever want to move forward — as a country, as a people — it’s the only choice that matters.
Are we ready to stop playing the game and start changing it?
