The Current State of U.S. Politics: A Deeply Divided Society

Author Mr. Mo Sharma

When we consider the current state of U.S. politics, it’s evident that we are facing a profound crisis. Both sides of the political spectrum appear intent on undermining each other, with some leaders and their supporters even hinting at the possibility of civil unrest if their candidate does not prevail. This situation poses a significant threat to the fabric of our society, but at its core, it often boils down to a battle of pride.

When pride becomes intertwined with political allegiance, it can trigger deep emotional responses, particularly from the amygdala, the part of the brain involved in processing emotions. For example, many of Donald Trump’s supporters associate their loyalty to him with a sense of national pride. Conversely, some of Kamala Harris's supporters link their support to personal pride and identity. Both of these manifestations of pride can have detrimental effects on society, blinding individuals to the negative aspects of their own behavior. This often stifles critical thinking and promotes a narrow focus on self-interest.

As a result, it’s disheartening to observe that the real issues that should be debated in the U.S. elections are largely overlooked. Aside from discussions about border control, critical topics such as the national debt, youth isolation and depression, and addiction crises go largely unaddressed. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue, both parties seem absorbed in their own narratives.

If other countries were to follow the same destructive path, the implications could be catastrophic. It’s important to clarify that I don’t believe either Trump or Harris harbors overtly racist sentiments, nor do I think they are particularly religious. Moreover, I don’t believe either candidate prioritizes the middle class over the wealthy; rather, our economy has become entrenched in a form of chronic capitalism that often favors the rich.

Regarding the idea of terminating the U.S. Constitution, it’s essential to recognize that such an act cannot be accomplished by executive order; only Congress has the power to amend or abolish constitutional provisions. Claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and can only be considered a form of “fake news.” Any attempt to undermine the Constitution would signify the end of the United States as we know it, as it serves as the foundation of our democracy.

One of my greatest concerns is the potential for a religious takeover in American society, which could lead to the rise of extremism, similar to what we’ve seen in various other countries. When religion becomes the dominant discourse, the youth often suffer the most, as it stifles their natural inclination to question and innovate—qualities that are essential to scientific and societal progress. While I don’t believe religion is inherently bad, it should not govern societal norms or political discourse.

A troubling indicator of the educational crisis in the U.S. is the persistence of beliefs such as the idea that the Earth is flat. This reveals a significant disconnect within our education system and contributes to the alarming rise of conspiracy theories. When political figures, like Trump, deny facts that contradict popular belief, it’s often a strategic move to win elections. However, this manipulation of information can lead to a dangerous cycle where pride blinds individuals to reality, impairing their ability to think critically.

My primary concern with Trump is his use of religion and misinformation, particularly when he doesn’t genuinely believe in these ideas himself. This approach has a profound impact on the youth, who are already grappling with a disconnection from factual knowledge and literature. By leading them down a rabbit hole of false information, we risk crippling their capacity for independent thought.

In conclusion, the current political climate in the United States is deeply troubling, not only for the immediate future but for generations to come. It’s crucial for us to foster an environment where critical thinking prevails over pride, enabling us to address the pressing issues that affect our society.