# Understanding Political Affiliations and Climate Denial
Written on
Chapter 1: The Polarization of Issues
In today’s society, numerous issues have become polarized despite having no direct connection to political beliefs. This phenomenon is crucial to recognize as it influences our perspectives on a wide range of topics—from the color of a hat we wear to our choices in everyday items such as reusable bags or even how we respond to public health measures during a pandemic. We often find ourselves unconsciously aligning with one side or another, even when it’s not our intention.
This morning, I came across a thought-provoking piece in the New York Times that highlighted surprising statistics from last month’s election. It reported that merely 20% of Trump supporters genuinely believe that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the election fairly. While we might label these individuals as staunch supporters of Trump, such a characterization oversimplifies a more complex reality. The article further notes that only half of this group seems to genuinely anticipate Trump’s inauguration on January 20, revealing a deeper human tendency towards denial and an intriguing aspect of our psyche: our uncertainty about our own beliefs.
In a world rife with online trolls, political figures, and perceived adversaries, maintaining a neutral stance has become increasingly challenging.
Section 1.1: Cognitive Dissonance and Belief Systems
This cognitive dissonance often leads us to sway between opinions, sometimes even within the same day. While we may hold strong beliefs about certain issues, we typically avoid adopting rigid positions unless they are significantly polarized. Even those who seem resolute about their views often have numerous qualifiers attached to their beliefs. Polling data from 2020, for instance, did not fully capture the reality of voting behaviors, as some voters felt uncomfortable disclosing their true preferences. Concerns about social disapproval, privacy, and other unrelated factors can influence these tendencies.
Strongly held beliefs often shape an individual’s political identity, reflecting deeply ingrained values. For example, those who firmly believe in an afterlife or support stringent reproductive health policies often view these issues through a lens colored by their convictions.
Section 1.2: The Impact of Objective Truth
Today, we find ourselves grappling with a pandemic, social injustice, and a climate emergency. Although access to objective information is greater than ever, many choose not to engage with it. While some may point fingers at social media for creating echo chambers, focusing solely on this issue does not address our vulnerability to denial. Instead, we should acknowledge our history as social beings who crave connection and stability, often leading us into conflict with our desires for both order and change.
Extremism tends to overshadow the majority of individuals who do not identify with such views. For instance, while there are actual extremist groups, most individuals labeled as extremists do not consider themselves as such. They believe they possess unique insights into the truth.