What is it that has changed in our society to bring us to this point of intolerance and polarity?

LTJG Robert M. — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 13:06:34 -0400

I remember when I was growing up that people would rationally and calmly discuss issues amongst others, giving respect to the other individual and their opinion. Today if you state your opinion on an issue, you are immediately labeled a bigot, racist, whacko, conservative, liberal, baby killer, or gender hater.
What is it that has changed in our society to bring us to this point of intolerance and polarity??

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made Jun 28 at 2015 1:08 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 13:08:36 -0400

The country is polarized between conservatives and liberals, Hawks and doves, and races. I trace most of this to POTUS.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 28 at 2015 1:41 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 13:41:01 -0400

Part of it is entitlement jealousy that I'll admit I'm guilty of. I'm tired of entitlement claims by every group based on some racial or gender or political or ethnic DIFFERENCE that the government answer to and complies with. The more attention these claims are given, the more legitimate they become and that many more of them are created. As these entitlements become accepted then those who simply don't agree with them are labeled just as you say LTJG Robert M.. I personally do not see what benefit I would gain from walking around shouting (not that I've tried it or anything) to the world that I am a heterosexual married white male of Italian descent and the world owes me something. But there are those who have shouted loud enough for the media to listen.

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 2:13 PM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:13:50 -0400

Mass media, that's what's changed. People believe anything on the news without ever doing their own research and base their opinions off of other peoples' opinions. Facebook and other mass media centers are a major culprit as well.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 2:21 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 14:21:00 -0400

We have become a nation where people believe they are 100% right and anyone who disagrees or has another opinion is 100% wrong.

Neither is correct, but we argue as if we are in court.

Honesty or integrity does not come into play.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jun 28 at 2015 3:05 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:05:23 -0400

It's a myth that we are worse off today than before.. that being divided or intolerance is some sort of new phenomenon. Let's not forget that not too long ago minorities didn't have many rights in this country, and women couldn't even vote less than a century ago. For as long as there have been divisive issues, there has been polarity. We shouldn't pretend that this is some sort of new invention by humanity. We should instead celebrate our progress and continue doing the good work that is needed.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jun 28 at 2015 3:27 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:27:33 -0400

It's just my humble opinion but I believe three things (in no particular order of importance) have played a part:
1. Political Correctness
2. "Entitlement" mentality
3. People who can't think for themselves because they've been taught the Guv'ment will solve all their issues.

We might even be able to add a fourth:
4. Media outlets who thrive on ratings generated by keeping everyone riled and agitated.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 3:28 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:28:40 -0400

Divide and conquer. They have been dividing and instituting strife between groups for a very long time. They created division by inventing issues where there were none and ultimately "they" will swoop in to save the day. Most everyone has at least one peccadillo that will give them a reason to side with...

Religion vs religion, religious vs non-religious, < insert race here > vs < insert race here >, rich vs poor, pro-life vs pro-abortion, global warming vs deniers, science vs religion, D vs R, et. al.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 28 at 2015 4:05 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Jun 2015 16:05:00 -0400

Cautiously responding: No comment for fear of being labeled a bigot, racist, whacko, conservative, liberal, baby killer, or gender hater. Even worse, being labeled a free thinking American who thought he had the right to his own opinion. Maybe not?
The real question here is, When did the opinion and feelings of others eliminate an individuals right to form and voice those opinions. Standing up for your own rights, beliefs, and family values can throw you into a tail spin of social or political suicide. Standing firm in your opinions brings out the masses of faceless, spineless, busybody's, who revel in muddying the water for the sole purpose of drowning their victims in a bland concoction of complacency.

Kind of sad.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 12:03 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:03:59 -0400

We went back decades in our development. We need to change and become more tolerate of others opinions and not say being tolerate means you must agree with others at all times.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 6 at 2015 5:22 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 05:22:49 -0400

Massive data overload and the manipulation of those information delivery systems makes people emotionally disagree.