Letter: Overgeneralizations only hurt political discourse
I recently read Dr. Moss’s letter titled Liberal heads explode after Trump victory when certain statements caught my attention. While Moss introduces solid points about the left that deserve discussion, he utilizes faulty overgeneralizations to define an entire political ideology, exploiting statements such as, “Most people, unlike leftists, admire their national history, language and culture and want to preserve them,” and, “They despise its (America’s) founding, history, culture, and economic system. They loathe whites, Christians, and heterosexuals.”
These brash generalizations further the political divide we see today in America and only makes bipartisanship harder to attain.
65 million Americans voted for Hillary Clinton last November. These voters hail from all walks of life. Taking the words and actions of a small group and applying them to an entire voting block neglects the millions of voters not belonging to that group.
People of the left have valid and reasonable grievances, grievances that go unanswered when conservative Americans refuse to address them because they perceive “leftists” as unpatriotic or America-hating. Instead of focusing on real issues within our country, we lower ourselves to ad-hominem attacks that deflect from what really matters, with issues such as trade deals, transgender rights, and immigration reform plaguing at us at every turn.
The same principle applies to Trump supporters, the nearly 63 million Americans who voted for him. Slurs of racism, homophobia, and bigotry ultimately disregard the valid complaints many have to offer. These nonsensical attacks do not withstand today’s political climate. Did the traditionally Democratic states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, states that voted for Obama in ‘08 and ‘12, suddenly turn bigoted over the last four years?
Of course not. Much to the chagrin of the conservative right, the logic carries over to the stereotyping of the alleged “American-hating” left.
When I think of prominent Democrats in our community, none of them strike me as the anti-American. When I think of the prominent Republicans, I don’t see the bigotry. The simple truth: Republicans and Democrats essentially want the same thing. We all want to make America better, to improve it for future generations. We may disagree on the role of government or policies to put forth; these debates comprise healthy political discourse.
False generalizations do not contribute to a productive political atmosphere, only serving to further divide rather than unify.
Logan Bromm
Jasper High School Senior
Great article!
Well said! And from a JHS senior most possibly born from parents who are considered Millenials. I despise that generalization as well. There are people who fit the definition of that label across generations. We as a nation need to look at the whole picture and focus on what we can do to continue to make America great. And drop the again. Because it has been great.
And millions didn’t vote for either Trump or Hillary.
There are valid to address, and the one big one to add to the letter is the distortion of the economy causing the horrid economic situation we find ourselves in. Both parties in DC gave us this. People want to be left alone from the government. The spirit that drove the Declaration still exists.
We got to want to work together. We have be willing to work apart from elected people. Love overwhelms hate.
Excellent! You have an understanding far beyond your years! You really should consider politics when you go to school. You could make a great contribution to this country.
Well said Logan!
Well done Logan. This is a classy way to stand up against a generalized and absolute style of language.
Well stated! It is refreshing to see a level handed young man stating clearly and without hatred. Thank you! It gives me hope for our country.
Yes, a well-written and thought-out analysis for sure, if only a small part of a much larger, multi-faceted problem that few understand and/or are willing to admit, but indeed an exceptional “diamond in the rough” of young people today – and that’s no generalization.
Very nicely done. I applaud your even-handed discussion of the issues and your (rightful) disdain for the venomous, ad hominems that pour forth from both sides of the aisle. You have a level head about you and give me hope for the next generation. I hope your intelligence and ability to articulate rub off on your classmates and all you meet.
Be well.