Why We're Polarized

Identity. The key message by Ezra Klein in his book titled, Why We’re Polarized, is that we are getting the political environment that we have consciously created since the 1960s after the Civil Rights Act led southern Democrats to become Republicans, and instead of both parties having liberal and conservative members, the parties moved to the poles of one being conservative and the other liberal. If you’re not fed up yet, things will only get worse. Even so-called independents identify more often with one political party over the other. Klein makes identity the lens to which we can observe what has polarized us. Klein has a knack for synthesis and for being a good explainer. It all makes sense as one reads it. On further reflection, what seemed conclusive becomes simplistic and a realization strikes that there are other lenses with which one can examine polarization in American life. That said, any reader interested in public affairs should consider reading this book to incorporate Klein’s synthesis into one’s own thinking about contemporary life. Rating: Four-star (I like it) Click here to purchase Why We’re Polarized from amazon.com.