Great Moments in Political Polarization

Political polarization is so prevalent now that people are creating programs so that people can ensure that they don’t even have to live near someone who may think differently than they do:

It’s probably happened to many of us. You relocate to a wonderful city for its cultural offerings and employment opportunities, or to a quaint town for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle – only to learn after the fact that your new neighbors are far-right, liberal-hatin’, cross-burnin’ bubbas and boneheads. That’s not exactly to the liking of your liberal-leaning lifestyle, now is it?

The site then goes on to present the work of a fellow who created a program that “helps you select locations with populations that are more likely to align with your stances and beliefs.” And this is offered, without apparent irony:

No matter where you live, it’s a diverse world out there, and you’ll find people who feel the same way you do in every state. 

Yes, it is a diverse world. Allow us to help you do whatever you can to avoid that diversity!

Maybe I’m naive, but perhaps our civil society would be a little healthier if we, occasionally, allowed ourselves to interact with people who feel differently than we do about certain things and to realize that, perhaps, they aren’t horrible monsters who are opposed to everything we hold dear. Just an idea. 

Craig Calcaterra

Craig is the author of the daily baseball (and other things) newsletter, Cup of Coffee. He writes about other things at Craigcalcaterra.com. He lives in New Albany, Ohio with his wife, two kids, and many cats.

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