Political scientist says current polarization leads to distrust, abandoning norms
By: Tim Spears
Posted: Jan 6, 2022 9:17 PM EDT
-
1:46
Severe weather less likely, more prevalent heavy rain threat
-
0:38
One person left injured after early morning shooting on Saturday
-
1:01
Potentially severe weather through today
-
2:39
Residents of La Porte County work together after severe weather...
-
1:50
Additional rainfall maintains floodings risks
-
2:43
New Prairie and Michigan City face off in final scrimmage before...
-
2:14
La Porte County officials remain optimistic through storm recovery...
-
0:54
Two men arrested in Milford with outstanding warrants
-
1:02
Resurrection Lutheran Academy celebrates 12,000-square-foot renovation
-
1:56
Two rounds of storms possible tomorrow
-
1:51
Calm this evening, More storm tomorrow
-
2:33
New Prairie aims to leave last year is in the past, set sights...
To many, the January 6th riot at the Capitol underscored the polarization in today's political climate.
In an interview with ABC57 NightTeam anchor Tim Spears, Steven Webster, author of "American Rage: How Anger Shapes Our Politics", said the current political climate actively lowers trust in government and causes voters to abandon traditional democratic norms.
"So, one of those norms is accepting people with different points of view," Webster said. "Increasingly, Americans see those who disagree with themselves as opponents to be defeated, rather than people who have different opinions."
Watch their full discussion, here:
Sign up for the ABC 57 Newsletter