Everyone in the news media is talking about how divided the country is today, politically, racially, with regard to gender and religion as well.  But I’m not so sure we are any more divided, but rather just more vocal about it.

A couple of significant factors contribute to the perception that we are more divided today, and certainly not the only ones, are those who seek to profit, financially or politically, by fostering a divisive narration, and the news media that fans the flames of any such encounter between groups.

As soon as word gets out of an act that may be perceived as racist, swarms of news people, outside agitators (as many are wont to call them), and all sorts of profit seekers descend on the situation and begin to work their magic.

News reports are generally the first, grabbing the most convenient headline and trying to “scoop” the competition, with little more than a sound bite or an opinion by someone remotely involved in the story, quite often misrepresenting the actual facts surrounding the case.

Then, depending on the political bias of the network (which all networks deny, but you need only watch for a few hours to make the determination on your own), panels are gathered to discuss the facts and the ramifications of the incident.  More often than not, the facts are not yet available, but not wanting to be seen as behind the competition, most shows present opinions of what they think may have happened, somewhat slanted to their personal ideology.

Most try not to be blatant about it, using subtle innuendoes to make their point or push their listener (which probably already had a similar position) towards their desired conclusions.  Most listeners or readers seek out those who will confirm their beliefs for their news content anyway.