OPINION: How national political division destroys local community

Feel like being provocative today? Post something political on social media and watch the insanity begin. 

People you don't even know in the “real world” will start attacking each other with such hatred and ugliness that it is shocking. 

Hating fellow Americans simply because you disagree with them politically only serves to keep corrupt politicians in office. 

It is the ultimate strategy for both national parties: divide and conquer. If incumbents can keep half the country hating the other half, they secure their own power. 

Ultimately, Americans hating fellow Americans is simply bad for America. 

My days in the digital trenches 

These internet "keyboard warriors" are active participants in driving this political polarization and maintaining the status quo. I can speak with a critical eye on this because, admittedly, I used to do the exact same thing. 

I was completely invested in keyboard warfare. I routinely called out anyone I deemed uninformed, fueled by the absolute certainty that I was right, accurate, and could prove it. There was an undeniable sense of satisfaction. My ego was quite pleased with itself. 

In retrospect, it was nothing more than a cheap dopamine fix—just a step above doom-scrolling. It was purely ego-driven. 

At some point, I realized how ridiculous the behavior was. I discovered that being a keyboard warrior is a lonely, one-sided argument that typically devolves into personal attacks and ugliness, eventually ending with one or both parties being "unfriended." 

The illusion of the screen 

During a recent social media encounter with a keyboard warrior, I asked point-blank, "Why are you doing this?" She explained she was ensuring the country knew the truth about a comment a politician made. 

I assured her—someone I do not know personally—that society is not relying solely on her to keep the nation informed. I told her she could let it go; we are doing just fine. Keep scrolling. You do have to respond to everything you disagree with on the internet. Let it go. 

But she couldn’t let it go; she doubled down. I will spare you the details. Watching her react to my social media post was like watching a toddler throw a full-blown fit. 

She was completely “triggered.” Admittedly I was just about to jump into the argument with both feet, but then I remembered my own keyboard-wartime days. So, I just stopped. 

No response is a response.  

You and I do not have to agree. 

I do believe keyboard warriors are just as passionate about our country and our political issues as I am. Here’s the thing, the keyboard dehumanizes the opposing side of the conversation. Perhaps these are legitimate debates that, if held in person, could actually solve our country's—or Tennessee's—issues. Because, wow, do we have issues. 

Let's stop hating each other over politics on the internet. Nothing good ever comes from hate. 

Finding common ground locally 

Recently, I have had the privilege of attending several local political functions for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike. It has been a wonderful opportunity to meet new neighbors and form friendships across the local political spectrum. 

My teenage granddaughter is involved with Lauren Pinkston’s campaign for governor of Tennessee, where Lauren is running as an Independent. I attended a local campaign event at my granddaughter's request. My motivation was twofold: I wanted to encourage the next generation to get involved in regional politics, and I saw it as a great opportunity to meet fellow residents in Madison County. I invited some of my Republican friends and some of my Democratic friends to join me. Every single one of them declined, citing national politics as their reason for staying home. 

I explained that this was a local grassroots event meant for building community among Madison County residents, but neither side was interested in making new friends. That hit hard. How can we ever solve our problems if we can't even engage with the other side? Once the yelling and name calling starts, the conversation has ended. 

It became glaringly evident to me that we need to bridge these divides to move the country forward. Reach out to the other side. I am confident we have much more in common with our Republican and Democrat neighbors here in West Tennessee, than with politicians in Washington, D.C., or Nashville.  

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” — Abraham Lincoln

Gina Langley is a local business owner and a radio talk show host on WNWS-FM 101.5. Letters to the editor and guest columns are encouraged as a venue for readers to voice their opinions on local matters or the occasional state or national matter. Letters can be e-mailed to jksnpost@gmail.com.