ELEMENTS OF THOUGHT 2
The purpose of Janet Hook’s article entitled ‘Political divisions in the U.S ‘is to show
how the changing economy, different social status among the citizens and diverse cultures cause
political divisions in the country. A study by NBC news on political trends revealed that citizens
identify themselves with political parties and adopt specific cultural and social values that make
it harder to build the existing political bridge (Hook, 2017). Controversial issues such as climate
change policies, the presence of the National Rifle Association and the emergence of the Black
Lives Matter Movement create a lot of controversy in the country. A majority of Democrats
claim that they support social changes that have taken place over the years and made America a
diverse country, while many Republicans are more conservative on social matters.
Hook states that the political divide has significant consequences and implications for the
future of the country. During the Presidency of Republican Eisenhower Dwight in the 1950s,
about 60% of Democrats supported him, and the trend continued up to Barack Obama’s
Presidency, where only 16% of Republicans supported him (Hook, 2017). The rise of Donald
Trump into the presidency brought different views on economic and social issues such as
globalization, gun control and immigration among the Democrats and Republicans. In a 2005
poll, 41% of American citizens believed that immigration would weaken the country. The recent
study by NBC News reveals that 81% of Democrats support immigration while majorities of
Republicans do not. The topic of gun restriction has brought differing opinions among the
members of the two parties. Both independents and Democrats believe that economic issues,
especially the income gap among the poor and the rich are the root cause of the division among
American citizens while Republicans believe that politics is the main divisive aspect.
