Originally Posted by TheSquealer

I agree with this 100%. They are both opposite sides of the same coin. The behaviors,the argument, the rhetoric etc is all the same.

However, i would suggest that just as in how our brain makes decisions (a team of rivals framework - where often 1000s competing "arguments" take place where you're only consciously aware of the top 1 or 2 or 3), so do we as a society. We function from a survival standpoint as a team of rivals. This is an evolutionary trait and the direct product of group selection. For the best decision to be reached for the group as a whole, there must be argument. A decision without argument leads to mass extinction when no one raises their hand to question as the group is threatened. For people to argue effectively, they must see things in very different ways and also fall prey to the illusion/belief that there is no other way to see it and that any other view is wrong... leading to disbelief and incredulity that anyone could even have a different opinion.

I am actually just super fascinated with the psychological aspects of this, of us of as as groups and as individuals. We all cling to narratives which fit our view and tend to defend them fiercely irregardless of the facts. We hear / see something we want to believe and begin searching for reasons to believe it... we hear / see something we don't want to believe and begin searching for reasons to disprove it. This election is funny because it pushes peoples buttons more than usual.

A sad thing is the divisiveness of the nation now. To me, (my opinion) Obama marked the beginning of political courtesy coming to an end and the beginning of a President only representing only 1/2 of the country. In years past such as those you mentioned, there was a great deal of courtesy and etiquette in addressing the other party using polite euphemisms such as "my colleagues across the aisle" etc. That was all replaced by Obama by direct attacks on "Republicans" and constantly using the word "Republicans" non stop as he vilified them... forgetting they also represent 1/2 of the people he is supposed to represent in this country. This has pushed the tribal behaviors, the hysteria, the continual parroting of fake narratives and ignoring any facts which speak to a view one doesn't agree with into overdrive. I feel this nation is more divided than its ever been in my lifetime ( i wasn't alive in the 60's or before) and the choice between Presidents being a hardened criminal who has nothing but contempt for the system, the law and the people and a narcissistic shithead reality tv star who needs to be banned from twitter.

This election should be a wake up call for a nation.. Not for democrats. Not for republicans. For everyone. but its not. It's just a new chance to push the "my team = good", "your team = bad" rhetoric into a new gear we haven't experienced yet, ANd its happening so much so, that issues and positions aren't even the focus anymore. We are all (as a society) just as bad as the media on a 24hr news cycle talking about nothing all day long.... while again we are not even really paying attention to the facts and issues but rather stupid sideshow shit.