All that civility might matter more than the results of one election.
Overwhelmed? Gutted? Watching what you listen, read, write, or say constantly?
When would the proxy wars end? Would inflation go down?
Symbol of Strength
Following the latest USA election news and recent results have been exhausting and at times nerve wrecking.
In this blog, I have included articles which I find to be impartial, and less focus on the character assassinations of either candidate.
The Media
Traditional news channels are looked upon as biased, and this article noted the opinion of general U.S. adults regarding the 2024 presidential election as of October 2024:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500208/opinion-presidential-election-news-coverage-bias-us/
During a survey conducted among U.S. adults in October 2024, it was found that over one-third of respondents said that news media coverage was unfair and biased in favor of Kamala Harris, while 15 percent felt that the media coverage was unfairly biased in favor of Donald Trump.
How biased Is the Media, really?
This is an interesting audio take on biasness by Jay Caspian Kang. “It isn’t some tightly guarded secret that the press corps is mostly made up of liberals. But what does it mean for our coverage?”
https://www.newyorker.com/news/fault-lines/how-biased-is-the-media-really
It highlighted why that might have led to Trump being ‘immuned’ to no matter how much negative media coverages he has gotten. Has the perceived biasness led viewers or readers to discredit traditional mainstream media more easily, and therefore towards media desensitization i.e. “No matter how inappropriate Trump seems, it doesn’t matter.”
Left Wing and Right Wing Media are both clearly biased and attract followers that feed on the content that they prefer, to support their perceptions and feelings. Getting content from just one media source keeps you in the same bubble. Having neutral sources like Reuters and Wall Street Journal (although as the name implies might be economically driven) are a relief. Wall Street Journal was also the only youtube channel that allowed comments to be turned on for the key presidential candidates full debate by ABC news.
Stereotypes and Identity Politics
Is Being Female an Electoral Strength or Weakness for Kamala Harris?
Here we have the alpha male stereotype versus a prestigious female woman of color leader.
Several studies show a slight preference for women over men as leaders.
Since we have been fed so much from the media about Trump. What are the observations of Kamala Harris before her candidature for presidency in 2024? (Immelman et al., 2020)
This paper presents the results of an indirect assessment of the personality of U.S. senator Kamala Harris, Democratic vice-presidential nominee in the 2020 U.S. presidential election, from the conceptual perspective of personologist Theodore Millon. Read more to find out: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344379988_The_Political_Personality_of_2020_Vice-Presidential_Nominee_Kamala_Harris
Another observation that is unbiased on Harris: http://personality-politics.org/kamala-harris
For those who are still curious over Trump, Immelman et al., 2020’s study: The Personality Profile and Leadership Style of U.S. President Donald J. Trump in Office
They both have personality strengths and weaknesses. And the studies despite being done 4 years ago remain relevant and reflective of what we are seeing in the interviews and speeches.
Integration and Civility
Almost 45% of the U.S adults are feeling disappointed, some catastrophizing the worst, and wondering what went wrong.
In cognitive studies, our thinking patterns and beliefs lead to our feelings and behaviours.
Clay Drinko wrote an interesting article “Are You as Civil as You Think?” i
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/play-your-way-sane/202409/are-you-as-civil-as-you-think
At the end of the day, ask yourself:
1. Do you have friends who vote differently than you?
2. Are you able to talk politics with people with whom you disagree?
3. Are you only trying to win?
4. Can you find merit in their counterclaim?
5. Can you admit your own counterclaim?
6. Are you prone to name-calling?
7. Do you think you’re better than the other side?
Whether you been disappointed by the outcome, or feeling exhilarated on the Right winning – mood swinging in the past week, intensifying in the past 2 days.
The political strategy of the Republican worked, showing that mainstream media is losing credibility unless it is impartial and serves to connect deeper with the audience. Independent media channels and thought leaders and influencers like RFK Jr, Musk and Rogan, exert considerable influence.
Perhaps the alpha figure head is deeply desired by the majority.
Numerous issues such as heavily arming the proxy wars, high inflation, illegal immigration, natural disasters reliefs, and government overreach in Justice for Pnut and Fred, could have tipped the scale against the current establishment.
Left or Right Wing, they belong to the same bird, the American Bald eagle. Eagle had been seen by many as a symbol of strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations. A lot of countries (even the one I come from) have not seen a change in their main ruling party for decades. The polarization and competitiveness between both Wings in U.S. politics provides another option of governance every 4 years.
Unity is embracing both sides, both Wings, respecting both ideologies and honoring the rights of all people. The history of both parties suggest a lot more could be promised than delivered.
Politicians don’t change our lives, we do.
References
- Immelman, Aubrey & Griebie, Anne Marie & Zhang, Yitao. (2020). The Political Personality of 2020 Vice-Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris.
- Immelman, A., & Griebie, A. (2020, July). The personality profile and leadership style of U.S. president Donald J. Trump in office.
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Disclaimer:
Any views or research expressed in this post are not intended to insult or offend anyone, malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organisation, company or individual.