Although politics have always been a piece of one’s identity, that piece is becoming more of a whole as polarization  between the political parties continues to grow.  Americans are beginning to notice the divide of the country that is all stemming from this dispute.  Individuals have terminated relationships, witnessed violence, moved their lives to different states, all due to political stances and the ongoing dispute.  This dispute between the parties is no longer just about policy, it’s about lifestyle, as it molds how Americans manage their personal and social lives.

The last few years have seen a major shift in the way people respond to differing opinions, as it has become common to terminate relationships and withdraw from social circles as a result of these ideological differences.  As political polarization increases, many Americans grow uncomfortable with the idea of their closest friends going against what they stand for. 

“I don’t want to surround myself with those who don’t have the same values as me, and I know others feel the same way when it comes to politics. For that reason, the political dispute has affected how I manage my social life,” said senior Ruby Klein.

Despite the fact that politics were rarely a factor in youth determining their social circle in the past, many teenagers are now aware of how it influences their relationships with others.  Not only by diminishing friendships, but witnessing their own friends twisting their political stances in order to fit in and feel like they belong.

It is one thing to cut off a friendship or change who you are to fit in, but it reaches another level of danger when political disputes cause an increase in violence.  Over the past decade, Americans have started to approach politics with a largely aggressive mindset.   Many are now focused on defeating the other party rather than advancing and building their own goals.  Unfortunately, this has come with an extreme rise in political violence, threats, and harassment, striking anxiety in most Americans, fearing to speak out about their beliefs in fear that the result would be a form of violence. 

“My parents never used to fear politics.  I remember them always speaking so passionately about their political views.  Recently, due to the rise in political violence, they steer away from bringing up these views that they feel so proud and strongly about.  It’s like they’ve had to silence their own voices because of cruel people in this country,” said senior Samantha Benson-Tyler.

Where you live is a piece of who you are.  It forms your experiences, community, hobbies, and your values.  When Americans discover their state’s policies do not align with their morals, many decide to relocate, even across the country, with the goal of finding a place that replicates their values and morals.   As political polarization reaches a more extreme stage, Americans are being affected to a point where they feel unsafe to speak out in certain areas, adding to their desire to relocate. 

“Some of my own family members felt the need to move cities because their political views were so distanced from the usual views where they were. I feel as if no matter what your views are, you should feel safe and validated and not like an outcast,” said Junior Zoe Afik.

No matter where someone stands in the political dispute, neutral individuals included, Americans are being affected in several ways.  This is most significantly demonstrated through geographical and social sorting and an increase in fear and anxiety.