Hot take: both sides of the political isle have more in common than (social) media makes it seem

The bottom line, I think, is that we're all afraid to lose freedoms. And both sides already have lost freedoms, so the fear that this will continue is valid for both sides.

We can argue that some losses were/are more impactful than others, that some perceived dangers are more realistic than others, and that the motivation to object change is different. But in the end we're all afraid for things to get worse and are desperate to warn others and prevent that.

I don't know where to go from there, but can we at least agree we have this much in common and both just want things to get better, regardless of how each of us defines that?

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TurtlePink · 22-25, F

The thing about the US politics is that there’s 2 main parties and it seems like there’s this strong winner takes it all dynamic and that only makes things more polarizing for us and it reduces the chance for either side to find common ground. And it doesn’t help that social media in the US is segmented and algorithm-driven on purpose.

NerdyPotato ·

@TurtlePink the algorithm-driven media isn't unique to the USA, but the winner takes all does indeed not help with actual policies taking effect. That shouldn't affect discussions about wishes and ideals though.

TurtlePink · 22-25, F

@NerdyPotato in Europe social media is less polarized tho so the perception of common ground is more visible for yall. And yes you’re right about the policies taking effect part but the problem is just that in the US, our ideals often get framed as absolute opposites, which makes it feel less obvious that “we all just want things to get better.”

NerdyPotato ·

@TurtlePink isn't it true though? People just have different ideas of what "better" means, but everyone is worried that things are going downhill or will go downhill with the next president. And with only two parties to choose from, with polar ideas, that's a very reasonable fear. So maybe y'all can fight together for a better system, and then you can figure out which direction to take the country in.

TurtlePink · 22-25, F

@NerdyPotato yes, we should all be working together to improve the system. But I feel like some people are just deeply invested in their side and don’t want that I mean, even agreeing that our system needs improvement can be seen as controversial to Republicans.

NerdyPotato ·

@TurtlePink there will be people like that, but I strongly believe the group that wants more choice is way, way bigger.

TurtlePink · 22-25, F

@NerdyPotato definitely! Now the challenge is just getting that big group to act together instead of staying quiet or discouraged and there needs to be a way to silence the people who are loud and extreme who make it easy to rally people up with anger than around structural reform.