Fan-atacism

Tuesday, an overwhelming majority of our nation spoke out, unified, calling for change? For those of you keeping score at home, Obama's 364 electoral votes to McCain's 173 an apparent landslide. In terms of popular vote, 64.5 million for Obama, 56.8 million for McCain (Reference). For me I am willing to admit 68% of the electoral college, basically a 2:1 victory, is a landslide. On the other hand, I would not call the 52% of the popular vote a landslide, in fact I would say that our nation is as divided as ever, just the Democrats ran a better campaign this time around. I personally am excited for Obama's presidency, but I am under no illusion that the nation as a whole is as behind him as the media would have us believe.

I think that the division in our nation won't go away this generation. My personal reaction to the presidential debates made it clear to me that "those people" are so far removed from my political beliefs that no amount of clever rhetoric is likely to bridge the gap, even if it is delivered by a handsome, polished president.

The gulf between the political parties reminds me of major rivalries in sports. Michigan and Ohio State football fans are notorious for hating each other, despite coming from similar communities, socio-political backgrounds, and basically attending identical universities except for their colors (Michigan = Blue, OSU= Red, sorry democratic Buckeye fans, but these are the teams colors). The fans basically ignore their similarities and focus blindly on their differences - luckily only for a few days a year (coming to a fever pitch every November).

Political pundits cite regional differences as major factors in the Rep/Dem split. I think this is a ridiculous as the OSU-Mich divide. The majority of the voting public is more similar than different in their everyday lives, needs, and concerns. However, political, religious, and social institutions make their money convincing people otherwise. One day a week people are reminded that they are Methodist, not Catholic, Jewish, not Muslim, Pro-Choice not Pro-life, etc. (less if you are 'non-practicing like myself'). Even more often do media outlets remind us of our other differences, by propagating stereotypes.

For me the whole thing is ridiculous. I hate politics. Life would be so much easier if we were all fans of the same team.... maybe Penn State?


Shame about the loss this Saturday.