If you recall the movie Divorce American Style, you would probably do well in a Trivia contest because the movie wasn't particularly memorable. The theme was about a couple who grew apart and then found that the alternative was not as good as their marriage. For many, divorce occurs due to irreconcilable differences. America as a country is rapidly approaching that state.
The division in America today is stark. Most countries have their differences, whether it's due to ethnic, social, religious or historical divisions. The polarity in America is entrenched, and splitting the country up—once unthinkable—, is now discussed more openly than I can ever remember.
Where I live in Western Australia, there are a few voices that talk about succession. The motivation is that we produce 40% of the country's income due to our abundance of resources, and some feel we don't get an equal return from the federal government. However, this is more of an argument about equality in the federation. The reality is that Australians are not nearly as polarized as Americans.
In Canada, where I grew up, there was a genuine possibility of a split in the country. The province of Quebec, overwhelmingly French, always felt that it was under the rest of Canada's thumb, mainly English speaking. Many forget that separatists went so far as to kidnap a Minister, Pierre Laporte, who was ultimately murdered. Also, in the 1980s, a vote to separate from the rest of Canada was narrowly defeated.
Of course, if you look at Eastern Europe's map, the changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union have been profound. Many states and provinces that were in a forced coalition split off from one another into independent countries. The old Yugoslavia is a prime example. Because of ethnic and religious strife, that country is no more. Instead, you have Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Slovenia, Macedonia and Montenegro.
The most disturbing thing about the divergence in American life is that there appears to be little common ground for compromise. It is resulting in a conflict that is even tearing apart families.
I have travelled extensively throughout America and lived there for two years. I saw firsthand the contrast in that country. While there are exceptions, basically, in simple terms, it is a split between "country bumpkins" who live in the interior or fly-over country and the elitists who live primarily along the east and west coasts. Their philosophical and moral outlook on life could not be any more different.
Fly-Over Country
People who live in America's interior tend to be more conservative politically, religious, value hard work and are more supportive of small business. They believe in a smaller government and more traditional family values. Freedom and independence are essential to these people.
This part of America has also suffered the most from globalization. Many industries that made America the world's manufacturing powerhouse in the 20th century have disappeared in this part of America. The iconic image that we have of small-town Americana has been totally transformed. In many cases, empty storefronts and depletion of local populations are the new norms.
The Coastal Elites
The large coastal cities are where the real power resides in America. As we see in Silicon Valley, this is the centre of technology with the wealthiest 100 square miles globally. On the east coast is where major financial institutions' headquarters are centred, such as the big banks and Wall Street. This is also where the religion of Wokeness has gained a foothold in American life.
People in woke America are less likely to revere the nuclear family structure. They are also much more liberal in their thinking. In many cases, they revere socialism and even communism. Lately, they have embraced a destructive–and false–narrative of systemic racism and critical race theory. This comes from educational institutions such as Stanford, Yale and Cambridge. They are pushing out students who are perpetuating the dissolution of traditional American culture. Of course, Hollywood has merely become another instrument of the same value system.
J.D. Vance, the author of Hillbilly Elegy, stated in recent interviews that a person from the midwest who enters the elite centres of power finds a totally alien world. America today is much like a marriage with irreconcilable differences. Both sides are diametrically opposed to one another. There is no longer any room for compromise. Things are only getting worse with Cancel Culture afflicting not only big tech but also major corporations.
It is difficult to see how the situation will improve. Several American friends I have spoken to lament the problem with, "I no longer recognize my country". It's like two groups residing in the same household, but they can no longer eat, sleep or play together. That is an ominous-looking future for America.
It's no surprise then that one hears the voices of succession starting to enter some conversations. Only time will tell if that is indeed possible. A better possibility would be if some individual can enter the fray, rise above it, and somehow bring the country's two sides together. Right now, no one fills that role, and the divisions are so extreme that it will take a kind of Messiah to achieve a resolution.
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