Healing the Wounds of Polarization
Briefly

Prominent historians have said that this is the most polarized we have been since the Civil War, which is alarming considering a heavily armed population. This modern polarization no longer follows old regional boundaries; it pervades communities across the nation, creating a climate where misunderstandings and tensions can quickly escalate.
In my over 40 years as a couples' therapist, I have witnessed an unprecedented level of polarization infiltrating personal relationships. The current climate of anger and resentment is unlike anything I have encountered, where discussions have devolved into name-calling and blame without an attempt at understanding.
Political discourse has shifted dramatically. Previously, politicians were cautious about personal attacks. For example, George H. W. Bush's term 'bozos' in 1992 was viewed as a serious misstep; nowadays, political rhetoric is rife with malicious character assassination and hostility that alienates potential voters.
Polarization not only affects political landscapes but also seeps into family dynamics and cultural interactions. It simplifies and reduces complex issues into black-and-white narratives, leading to misjudgments about one another, hindering meaningful discussions and emotional connections.
Read at Psychology Today
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