Group D

Group D  Polarization​ is a division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of  opinions or beliefs    News Opinions:    ● A conservative writes that the Democratic party is filled with violent  extremists that wish to harm all Republicans for not submitting to their  wants. The author also states that Democrats in Congress wish to take  away the people’s rights. In order to prevent Democrats from gaining  such power, the author encourages readers to vote them out of  government positions.  ● The public has seen acts of violence, such as mysterious packages  carrying explosives to Democratic figures, and use of military jargon to  describe politics. When politics are portrayed as a battle by using  propaganda and seeing compromise as a betrayal, violence escalates;  especially in a country that can easily access weapons ‘mobilize’. The  author claims that to prevent violent extremist groups, the nation  needs to “‘demobilize’ our rhetoric”.  ● The rapid cultural shift in America has caused polarization, as people  either encourage and push for more progressive policies while a  cultural backlash has pushed against it. Trump, whom studies have  shown as the most polarizing president in history, has also contributed  to polarization as many either strongly disagree or strongly agree with  his policies.       Discuss:  1. Do you think polarization is a problem? Why or why not?  2. Do you think there is an increase of polarization, bipartisanship, or  neither in the public?  3. Do you think the depth of the news item sways opinions?