The Great Divide

February 21, 2025 | Greg Patten

The Great Divide first appeared in Prophecy in the News Magazine and is an excerpt from The New America by Greg Patten.

The change in politics in the United States has indeed been significant over the years and, for the most part, those changes have not been good. It is difficult to find any example of improvement.

Do you understand politics today?

We face Increased partisanship – I call it “the Great Divide.” Republicans, Democrats, Independents and whatever other groups on the scene today all see a great gulf between them, and it is worsening, sometimes by the day. And this, I fear, is merely a glimpse of the future.

As Christians get more involved, we see each viewpoint illuminated. Today there is little middle ground. The right is way over here, and the left – well who knows where they are for sure?

The influence of media, with the 24-hour news cycle, and the advent of social media have amplified partisan rhetoric and contributed to echo chambers. You have a plethora of what I call the “left-leaning loonies” in radio and television, only partially countered by a few conservative voices.

Is this not an aberration? On the liberal side of the media fence, there are a ton of representatives, while there are only a handful on the conservative side. Many of us miss Rush Limbaugh. He carried the load, and delivered the payload for years. It is astonishing to me that those on the right consistently have the largest audiences in the ratings. They are at the top of the rankings on a regular basis. Why do you think that is? Are Christians, and those of a conservative bent, tuning in to those programs far more often than the left tunes in to programs sharing or promoting its views?

There has been a major shift in policy focus in our country during the last few years. We now have a greater emphasis on things like healthcare, climate change and social justice. Long-respected economic policies are being ignored, or discarded, in a near wild-eyed rush for the impracticable and, in some cases, the undoable.

Do you remember “civility” in politics? That concept has fallen like a ton of bricks. There has been a major decline in civil discourse, with more inflammatory and divisive language used by politicians even in public debates. Today’s political analysts say we are doomed if this doesn’t cease. “Come on, now: Shake hands and play nice with one another…”

Civility in politics has been a significant concern in recent years. I believe many take the position that being nice has not worked, so let’s shift gears. The current discourse has numerous implications across the board in government, society as a whole, and in public trust. Earlier, we hated one another, but we didn’t act like it. None of that matters anymore.

The use of inflammatory, derogatory and divisive language by politicians and public figures has increased, and continues to do so. Policy-focused debates are being replaced by personal attacks and name-calling.

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have become venues for hostile exchanges. They say algorithm-driven content reinforces extreme views and reduces exposure to diverse perspectives, enhancing the echo chamber effect. (By the way, are you on my Facebook team? That’s Greg Patten…)

Education

With the internet we have more online and alternative education options.

Reflecting back to my early days in the ministry, I often marvel at the time and work I have spent tracking down Scripture, information and illustrations for my messages. Today, I hit a button and thousands of sources almost magically appear. As always, this can be bad or good – depending on sources and how the information is used.

For Christians and conservatives alike, the truth about what is now called education, especially in the public schools, is really a no-brainer. Who has those kids several hours every day and what are they teaching? That reality hit home, hard, during the “Plandemic,” and there’s no hiding it now.

Media – Welcome to my world

As previously shared, I have spent most of my life in radio and television. I will go into this more later in the book, but this is where folks get a great deal of information about what is going on in America and the world today.

For me, it all started doing the news at a rock radio station. Then I became a DJ, then a television reporter and news anchor. Now I do a daily Christian, Paul Harvey-type radio program of news and commentary, “Hello World.” We bring information on various topics, with humor, and always end with a daily devotional.

Over many decades, I have seen so many changes in the world of news.

So let’s be fair and honest, and say, “There is no secret here today – right or left, pick your direction and… here’s the story!”

The last few years we have seen the rise of partisan news outlets that prioritize sensationalism and conflict over balanced reporting. Newspeople really do shape the way you look at the world today. I say that from years of experience. For example, if a story has a right or left bent to it, and it was done the day before by a reporter to the left, and then I was updating it the next day, you would see a real difference in the stories. I don’t believe there is such a thing as fair and balanced reporting. You report things as you see them.

As the Bible says, “You are what you think about all day long.” The majority of reporters are not Christian and do favor positions that are anti- whatever you believe or know to be the truth. Then here’s that question again: What are you thinking? Pundits and commentators often frame issues in a polarizing manner.

The media plays a crucial role in shaping political discourse and public opinion on everything. Consider the example of the media’s role in political civility:

Partisan media

One of the major changes has been the rise of cable news channels and websites that cater to specific political ideologies. Here is one of those “does this make sense” questions: Who in the world wants to watch and listen to ideas and or viewpoints opposed to what they believe is truth and reality? Sometimes I venture over into what I call “Moronville” to see what propaganda they are peddling and inevitably it does not take long for me to decide I want to kick in the screen of my TV.

I don’t think this is ever going to change in America. Regardless of what you watch and hear via the media, it often emphasizes conflict and controversy, reinforcing partisan divides and diminishing civil discourse. Let me repeat: I don’t think it will change in your lifetime.

Sensationalism

There is no avoiding this one. News outlets and teams focus on sensational stories and headlines because they believe it will attract viewers and readers and, sadly, there is proof that belief is true.

In my lifetime serving in the media, the ratings were everything. You live and die by the numbers – “What can I say or do to get you to tune in?”

Now this presents an obvious problem. Emphasis on drama and conflict can exacerbate polarization and reduce nuanced discussions. How can two walk together lest they be agreed?

Social media

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X, and Instagram amplify voices and opinions, sometimes without accountability. Algorithms – the modern, generally hidden digital strategy drivers of these for-profit companies – prioritize engagement, often highlighting extreme and divisive content. Could it be the same mindset as television ratings?

Echo chambers

People increasingly consume news that aligns with their beliefs, creating echo chambers. Again, what do you expect? It usually brings me to the point I ask the Lord: Do I really have to love these people?

Reduced exposure to differing viewpoints can lead to a lack of understanding and increased hostility toward opposing views. I am old school on this one. Why listen to or watch errors, sometimes unrestrained and unchecked? When I was 12, I heard a saying by a classmate, and it was a classic: “A person persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still.” It’s still true today.

We must be cautious about our own guilt: I sometimes wonder, “How often should I listen to the devil and his demons, in a world being led by them?”

Misinformation and fake news

The spreading of misinformation and fake news can inflame passions and contribute to uncivil behavior. Genuine fact-checking and media literacy are essential to combat these issues.

Public perception

Media portrayal of politics as a “battleground” contributes to a perception of constant conflict.
Negative coverage of political opponents can lead to demonization and hostility. Unfortunately, it often seems warranted nowadays.

Behavior of politicians

Politicians may adopt more extreme rhetoric to gain media attention and appeal to their base. We know who those folks are on all sides.
Social media allows politicians to bypass traditional media filters, leading to unfiltered and often inflammatory communication.

Trust in media

Trust in the media has been declining due to perceived bias and sensationalism.
People may seek alternative sources, some of which lack credibility, further complicating the information landscape.

Would this help?

Ideas and potential efforts to improve the media’s role in finding and reporting the truth are talked about a great deal (“Oh, that won’t happen…”). Here is how the other side believes it can work, and my take on all of it (“You’re kidding, right?):

Promoting balanced reporting

Encouraging media outlets to provide balanced, fact-based reporting
Highlighting stories of bipartisanship and cooperation, not just conflict (I don’t think they even believe most of the nonsense they promote)

Ethical journalism

Upholding journalistic standards of fairness, accuracy and accountability
Media organizations committing to ethical reporting practices (I am not sure why I even type this in, since the media goes more left of center daily)

Fact-Checking

Increased efforts by independent fact-checkers to verify information and hold the media accountable
Providing clear corrections and updates to counteract misinformation (“Here, let me fact-check my own story… Yep, it’s accurate!”)

There is a reason I address the main news sources as the “left-leaning loonies.” They can argue all they want about fairness. In reality, they have little regard for fairness and balance in getting to the truth.

Again, when you do not know Christ, then the world is what you think it is, and you report what you believe is the truth. (Shameless Plug: Remember my “Hello World” broadcast heard daily, and you can get the podcast anytime at www.whcbradio.org)

Can we just talk?

Is there a ‘norm’ out here in America? The answer to both questions is “No…”
There is without question a greater polarization among the general public
Civil discussions are becoming increasingly rare (“I can’t hear you, and most of the time I don’t want to.”)
Protests and public demonstrations are turning confrontational, and sometimes even violent and deadly
Government and that thing called ‘trust’

What about our government?

Little or no compromise anymore
Erosion of trust in government institutions and officials is warranted (We come to that word again: Trust. So let me ask: What federal agency do you trust?)
Remember the old rule: Do not talk politics and religion (Seriously?)

That is about all anyone talks about anymore. I have folks that once called me friend that I do not talk to or associate with anymore because there is such a great divide. In most cases they avoid me, and I get it. How can two walk together… well you know…