Why are people so polarized and close-minded when it comes to politics?

Question

Please bear with me. I have a little rant!

I am so tired of Democrats who blame everything on Republicans and Republicans who blame everything on Democrats. I am so tired of people being uninformed and in my face. I am so tired of radicals who argue that the other side is evil and responsible for all of America's problems. I am just as tired of people who think Bush can do no wrong as I am of people who think he is a lost cause. I am so tired of people who complain and don't vote. I am SO tired of people who think their religion should dictate our country's politics. I am so tired of people who take the state of our country and world lightly.

Yes - I am complaining. No, I don't want to move to Canada so please spare me the obvious anti-patriot bout. If you do, you're missing my point. I love and appreciate my life. I love my country. I want the people of my country to be healthy and happy - no matter their politics.

I don't understand why politics (across all party lines!) involve so much hate and blame. So my question: why are people so polarized and close-minded when it comes to politics? Don't they know they're more likely hurting the country than making it better?

Please be civil and don't take easy jabs.

Answer 1

I didn't read your "question" but here's why...

Politics draw on people's emotions and when you have a subjective argument on your hands, people never go in the middle of the road... they choose one side that reflects their personality needs and they defend it vigorously because for a person to be wrong would mean that they are not important.  

Answer 2

Just as parents indoctrinate their children with Christianity they also indoctrinate them with their politics - pure and simple answer!!

Answer 3

Republicans are the type of people who hate changes,

Democrats are the type of people that want a change.

It all is based on how you were raised politically.