I've noticed that when many people here characterize ideological debates, the phrase 'both sides' is used. Can most debates really be simplified down into such a binary notion or is it more the case that we (the predominant American 'we' that is) are conditioned to think about issues in this manner due to the two-party system of politics (and the tribal behavior it carries along with it)?
I must confess that every time I read 'both sides' here, I seriously doubt any ideological debate can really be distilled down to such a simplistic characterization. I suppose the interesting question is whether we do this because considering all the nuances to things is too confusing or do we do it because the characterization is appropriate?
I must confess that every time I read 'both sides' here, I seriously doubt any ideological debate can really be distilled down to such a simplistic characterization. I suppose the interesting question is whether we do this because considering all the nuances to things is too confusing or do we do it because the characterization is appropriate?
