Tag: Polarization

In our increasingly polarized age, it has become commonplace to attribute our political opponents’ beliefs to their irrationality. Advancements in psychology seem to validate this view: we are prone to confirmation bias, engage in motivated reasoning, and become self-insulated in social...

U.S. Congress will consider a $15 minimum wage for the second time soon. Joe Biden and most congressional Democrats want to more than double the minimum hourly wage from its current level of $7.25. Although Democrats have this policy goal, survey data (see below) show that the majority of...

From the Left This view is from a writer rated Lean Left. Surveys show majorities of Democrats and Republicans are proud to be American, preferring life in the U.S. to any other place. Many people agree on key aspects of what it means to be a “true American.” A false narrative popular...

Animosity towards members of an opposing political party has substantially worsened in recent years. But much of what we know about polarization and citizens’ attitudes to their political opponents may be wrong. \When Democrats and Republicans say they reflexively dislike each other, they...

Many Americans see themselves as divided on immigration. Disagreements persist about family separation at the southern border, potential criminals entering the country illegally — and even how to describe people who enter the country without authorization. But despite these perceived...

From the Center This viewpoint is from a writer rated Center. Many years ago, I worked briefly as the host of a political talk show at a Bay Area radio station. It did not go well. The station’s executive producer quickly grew frustrated with me because of my insistence in talking about...

From the Center This viewpoint is from a writer rated Center. Last Wednesday, Facebook announced that it would start testing reduced quantities of political content in its News Feed. Testing has already begun in Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia, and it will begin in the United States in the...