Kamala Harris vs Donald Trump...
Why Harris vs. Trump divides society so much - and what that says about our democracy
The US is facing a crucial election, and it seems like the candidates represent more than just political differences - they reflect how polarized we have become as a society. The upcoming election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump provides an opportunity to reflect on our democratic values and behavior as citizens. What does it really mean to be democratic if we only tolerate those who share our views?
Democratic coexistence should be more than just lip service. Anyone can claim to be “democratic,” but true democracy only emerges when we are confronted with opinions that contradict our own beliefs. Corona has shown us how quickly tolerance for differing opinions dwindles and has made many of us very lonely, or the war in Ukraine in which there are the good guys with the right values and the dark side of power that absolutely embodies evil. People are degraded, excluded or given labels such as “Nazi” if they take a different position. It seems as if a black and white way of thinking has become established that no longer leaves room for nuanced discussions. But why is that so? Let's ask ourselves: How honest are we with ourselves? How often do we really seek dialogue with other perspectives? Why don't we let ourselves be more inspired by other opinions in order to grow and develop ourselves? Democracy should include the right and willingness to listen to others, to remain curious and to see diversity as an opportunity - even if that diversity is uncomfortable. Instead of immediately seeing the other person with a different opinion as an opponent, we could ask ourselves what we can learn by listening.
It's not about giving up your own convictions or uncritically accepting all opinions. But perhaps it is time to remember that as social beings we are all capable of finding common ground and cultivating respectful relationships with one another, rather than focusing on what divides us. If we truly stand for democracy, we must begin to act more democratically in our conversations and disagreements. In the example of the US elections, one should be aware that it is very evenly balanced 50% Kamala Harris and 50% Donald Trump, now to claim that one side or the other is crazy, right-wing radical or or is a very small point of view, namely only that, that you want to see. Both candidates have good and bad qualities and achievements and depending on which part of society you belong to, it is good for one or the other and you should always be aware that there are huge industries, businesses and interests behind these candidates who actually care and who of course have a lot to lose if the other party comes to power. Most people want to keep a low profile, but there are also people like Elon Musk who clearly shows in public which candidate he is for. America in general has always been very crass when it comes to marketing and opinion-making. I had to smile when I saw that Terry Bollea aka Hulk Hogan was campaigning for one of the two, I was just hoping that Macho Man Randy Savage would wake up and the two would duke it out in a wrestling match.
How do you see it, are you really democratic and can you think about a different opinion without putting the other person under your control?
May all beings be happy
Alexander Palacios
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