Overdoing Democracy

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We live in an era marked by political polarization, where beliefs on both sides have shifted toward extremes, resulting in social environments that discourage interaction with differing viewpoints. This polarization is exacerbated by companies and products appealing to our entrenched beliefs, reinforcing our choices—whether it's Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, Costco or Sam's Club—as expressions of our political identities. Such choices confine us to self-selected communities, further deepening our divisions. In overemphasizing democracy, we risk undermining the very social goods it aims to promote. A healthy democracy requires citizens to engage in collective activities that transcend political affiliations. To safeguard democracy's future, we must cultivate civic friendships in contexts where political loyalties are irrelevant. Drawing on extensive research, Talisse highlights the extent of our political polarization and how it shapes our perceptions. By limiting our interactions to those who share our views, we ultimately harm the core democratic principle of recognizing and respecting one another as equals.