Overdoing Democracy: Why We Must Put Politics in its Place

Political polarization has led to a lack of interaction with those with different beliefs, and companies are appealing to our deep-seated beliefs, making us even more polarized. This overdoes democracy and undermines the social goods that democracy is meant to deliver. To ensure the health and future of democracy, we need to forge civic friendships by working together in social contexts in which political affiliations and party loyalties are not merely suppressed, but utterly beside the point.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

In today's world, we are witnessing a profound shift towards political polarization, where individuals and communities are increasingly drawn towards extreme positions on the left and right. This trend has not only impacted our political discourse but also seeped into our social environments, leading to a limited interaction with those who hold differing opinions. Moreover, we are being targeted by companies, products, and teams based on our deeply entrenched and polarized beliefs, further exacerbating the divide. Our choices, such as whether to patronize Starbucks or Dunkin' Donuts, shop at Costco or Sam's Club, engage in soccer or football, and read the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal, reflect and reinforce our allegiance to specific political communities, perpetuating polarization.

While democracy is a vital cornerstone of our society, we must be mindful of the potential consequences of overdoing it. When democracy becomes overly dominant, it can undermine and crowd out many of the essential social goods that it is meant to deliver. For example, it can limit our ability to engage in collective activities that are not structured by political allegiances, such as community projects, volunteer work, or sports teams that bring people together from different backgrounds.

To ensure the health and future of democracy, we must cultivate civic friendships by working together in social contexts where political affiliations and party loyalties are not the primary focus. This requires us to be open-minded, respectful, and willing to engage with others who may hold different perspectives. By expanding our horizons and experiencing the world from different angles, we can break down the barriers of polarization and build a more inclusive and cohesive society.

In conclusion, we live in a time of political polarization, where our social environments and choices are increasingly shaped by our political beliefs. While democracy is a valuable tool for promoting social goods, we must be cautious not to let it undermine the very foundations of our society. By fostering civic friendships and engaging in collective activities that transcend political boundaries, we can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780197619100