Politics is a word that carries a lot of weight. When I hear it, I think of the word ‘division’. After the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, some might think ‘violence’. In light of Jimmy Kimmel’s return to the air, some might think of ‘polarization’. What comes to mind for you?
I became aware of the contentious nature of politics at a young age. Raised in a Republican household in a Democratic city, I understood quickly why discussing politics at the dinner table was discouraged. Observing both sides as I grew up, I have seen the political environment become increasingly polarized. A Gallup survey published in January 2025 reported that, in 2024, 77% of Republicans identified as conservative, a record high. The same survey found that 55% of Democrats identified as liberal, also a record high. What’s the reason for this uproar in extremes?
When I hear extremes I think of the very controversial topic such as abortion. A topic with two sides: pro-life, pro-choice, but is it really that simple? You either hate women or hate babies. Of course, that’s not true; this is simply a gross oversimplification of the topic. I am pro-choice and do not hate babies, and my parents are pro-life and don’t hate women. The danger of extremes shines through in this debate, it implies holding one belief automatically leads to full disagreement with the opposing side. Don’t fall for it. While the left and right may not agree on whether abortion should be constitutionally protected, it is important to recognize that other aspects of this issue could lead to productive change.
Abortion details many aspects of reproductive health that are left out of the conversation. Over 90% of abortions result from unintended pregnancies, according to a 2012 Brookings Institution report. An often overlooked aspect of abortion is that reducing the need for it can create common ground for collaborative solutions. The Contraceptive CHOICE Project conducted from 2007 to 2011 provided free birth control and counseling to more than 9,000 women and teens in St. Louis. As a result, local abortion rates dropped by about two-thirds compared to national and local averages.
In a highly divisive subject like abortion, there is common ground to be found. A March Navigator Research 2024 pollfound strong bipartisan support for ensuring easy access to contraceptives, 70% of Republicans and 90% of Democrats, yet politicians have failed to pass related legislation. Both sides agree on solutions within the topic, yet political extremes are rewarded so heavily that middle-ground action is blocked. This leads me to ask, who benefits from such division?
“… they wouldn’t vote. Only because they hate Trump. But I hate them, too. You know that? I really do, I hate them. I cannot stand them, because I really believe they hate our country…” Donald Trump, Des Moines, Iowa, July 3, 2025.
This constant ‘us’ vs ‘them’ mindset pushed on us is so incredibly dangerous to our ability to get things done. I recognize disagreements will always be synonymous with politics, but with the extent of conflict we see in the political climate today, we have to rethink our own productivity. Although polls indicate we identify as more politically extreme than ever, specific polls related to legislation don’t show this divide. Stepping away from the broad titles of red and blue, left and right, donkeys and elephants, we align much more than they want us to believe.
The extreme political polarization today isn’t caused by your neighbor, who happens to stand on the other side of this imagined line. It is driven by politicians, who earn on average $90,270 more than the typical American. They thrive on extremes, exploit conflicts, and use us to stay in power. By promoting extreme positions, politicians secure votes, because people are more likely to remain loyal to their side when convinced to ‘hate’ the other side. This makes it less likely for common ground or meaningful action to develop. As a fellow American, I urge you to pause before falling for the ‘us versus them’ mindset and reconsider the real ‘them’ we are up against.