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Polarization

Definition

Polarization refers to the growing division and divergence of political beliefs and ideologies, where individuals or groups hold more extreme and contrasting views. It often leads to an "us vs. them" mentality and a lack of willingness to compromise.

Analogy

Imagine you're at a school lunch table where everyone is divided into two separate groups based on their favorite superhero - Team Batman and Team Superman. The more extreme fans in each group refuse to listen to or work with the other side, making it impossible for the whole lunch table to agree on anything.

Related terms

Partisanship: This term refers to strong loyalty or support for one's own political party, often leading to increased polarization.

Confirmation Bias: Confirmation bias happens when people only seek out information that supports their existing beliefs, reinforcing polarization.

Echo Chamber: An echo chamber describes when individuals surround themselves with like-minded people or media sources that reinforce their opinions, exacerbating polarization.