Polarisation, Democracy, Affluence and Religion

Polarisation seems to be driving a huge wedge between people in the Western Democracies. Why should that be? Let’s explore some possibilities.

Polarisation and Peace

It seems odd at first glance, that societies should become more polarised during long periods of relative peace. There are wars, conflict and turmoil in many parts of the world. However, for most developed countries there has not been a major threat to their sovereignty since WWII or the cold war. Ukraine excepted.

The Vietnam war although a major conflict was an American affair with some involvement by other Western nations. Most chose (wisely with hindsight) not to get involved. Regional wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have not required national conscription by any of the Western coalitions. Minor skirmishes in remote North African countries, the Middle East and elsewhere have only involved small numbers of mainly regular military people.

Crime and social problems are of concern and may appear to have become worse in some areas, but these do not affect entire populations.

The devastating effect of 9/11 although tragic and a shock to the perception of invulnerability of the USA, was short-lived.

With no common external enemy to fight, people have the time and inclination to find enemies closer to home.

Disagreements of opinion are the seeds of protests against anything that offends us. Protests get nastier, people get hurt, freedom of opinion and freedom of speech disappear.

That’s how civil wars start.

Polarisation and Affluence

This section will get me shouted down by those screaming “inequality”, “evil capitalism” and all the other slogans of the socialist left.

However, for most people in North America, Western Europe and many other parts of the world, life has become easier in many ways since WWII. Fewer people work in hard agricultural jobs. More people can buy things that were out of reach for people with good jobs in the 1960s, 70s and even the 90s.

Yes, there are huge numbers of young people struggling to find affordable housing and sinking under the weight of student loans. There is widespread concern that AI, automation and outsourcing jobs to other countries will affect people’s standard of lving, but generally people in the 21st century struggle less to survive than those in the second half of the 20th.

Affluence provides the luxuries of time, opportunity and inclination to attack those with whom we disagree, or have more than we think they should.

Polarisation and Religion

It’s interesting that there seems to be a correlation between the decline in religious attendance and observance with the increase in polarisation.

Throughout history religion has been the cause of much violence and many wars. However, in more recent times, religion has been a moderating influence, a source of inspiration and a provider of rules to live by.

Is the current decline cause or effect? Perhaps a bit of both.

Polarisation and Social Media

Social Media platforms and the Internet allow any and every one to broadcast their views, thoughts and opinions globally in an instant. Smart phones and other devices ensure that we are always receiving those messages and sending our own. Those messages can spread inspiration, love and kindness or just as easily, hate, venom and cruelty.

The power of social media to galvanise a population is superbly demonstrated by the Zimbabwe government’s forced suspension of the Internet and messaging applications during the recent protests and three-day shutdown over fuel price increases.

Social Media – and to some extent traditional media – no longer exercise the same restraint as the “old” media in the past. It seems sensationalism and whether a story fits a political agenda is more important than reporting the facts. The recent rush to condemn Kentucky students as racists because they were wearing hats with slogans supporting President Trump is a glaring example.

Conclusion

The intolerance and polarisation in today’s USA and increasingly Canada and Europe is splitting society down the middle. It is adding fuel to the fire that is encouraging populism and nationalism on one side and socialism, anti-capitalism and blackmail over the environment on the other.

The extremes on both sides are dangerous.

We are seeing an environment developing that could lead to either civil war or heavy handed attempts by governments to exert total control over our lives. That could incite revolution.

We need leaders that can restore unity and encourage the majority of reasonable people to bridge the gulf between left and right, religious and secular. Sadly, they seem to be in short supply in the political arena.

Perhaps there still is a role for religion in the 21st century.

What do you think, leave a comment, share your views, start a debate.

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