We need to address the radicalization of politics

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

With the upcoming election coming up in less than two weeks, it is important to take a step back and center ourselves for the sake of our understanding of what is to come with the influence to use our voices. There has been a noticeable increase in the discussion of politics within the last 10 years and, alarmingly, an increase of radicalization in politics as well. The American people have become increasingly enthralled by the world of politics as it plays a crucial role in how we will live our lives in the next few years especially.

Political parties of all aspects have been heavily impacted by those who resort to violence in favor of their political affiliation. Since the Jan. 6 insurrection, extremist groups have remained the most persistent and lethal threat in the nation. White supremacist groups and male supremacist groups share similar ideologies and allow their prejudices and biases to justify their violent behavior. To make matters even worse, social media use has also increased over the years, allowing these groups to spread their hateful ideology on a larger platform.

This is not to say that all Republicans or extremist groups are committing hateful and violent acts. All forms of radicalization are dangerous and have the ability to affect everyone regardless of your political affiliation. To zero in on this point, it can be dangerous to misuse or blindly trust the information that is being given to you. Scholarly, popular, and newspaper articles can give you misleading information about a candidate or political situation that may not be true to fit a specific political narrative. Doing research about a certain candidate or topic is critical—and essential—during this erupting digital era.

With the amount of misinformation and propaganda spreading about the current presidential candidates, we need to take the time to reflect on how these political ideologies that are being pushed have an effect on what we envision our future to look like. The consumption of misinformation and propaganda can lead to radicalist and extremist views. We are less likely to check if things are true, especially if it looks like it is being provided to us from a reliable source. We have to recognize that misinformation and disinformation are done to mislead the audience. 

I will not lie; this is starting to get scary. The thought of even presenting oneself differently is enough to jeopardize your safety—which should not be the case. From personal experience, being harassed for a different political view is incredibly frightening and led me to consider taking further action for such a harrowing experience. 

Political violence in any manner is unjustifiable. Someone supporting a different political candidate should not warrant a violent act in return. It is okay to disagree with a political ideology and even make an argument against it, but to harm another individual for it is inexcusable physically. To reduce harm from yourself and other individuals, set your political biases aside—they are more impactful than you may believe.