Political Polarization in the United States: The Influences of Exceptionalism and Religion

Abstract

American political polarization has been heavily influenced by the ideas of Exceptionalism and Religion. The interplay of these two elements within the collective American identity has forged idealist imaginations of the nation: ideological and abstract illusions wherein anything that does not conform is cast off as unpatriotic and in fact antithesis to America's foundational pillars. Exceptionalist visions carry implicit undertones of superiority and are therefore less open to compromise and change -- the very pillars of democratic deliberation. Viewing the current American moment in such a lens is critical in mitigating political polarization.