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WotD: Polarization
Have you ever noticed how sometimes people see things in entirely different ways?
This difference in opinions or feelings is called polarization.
In simple terms, polarization is the division of people into two distinct groups, often with opposing views or beliefs.
Polarization can be seen in many areas of life.
For instance, you might find it in politics, where some people strongly support one party while others support the opposite.
This kind of polarization can create tension, making discussions challenging.
In science, polarization can refer to light waves vibrating in specific directions, but here, we’ll focus on its social meaning.
Understanding polarization is essential because it helps us recognize why people might disagree.
For example, when discussing climate change, some individuals may be very passionate about taking action, while others may be skeptical.
This disagreement can create polarization among friends, families, or communities.
In Canada, polarization around ice hockey teams is expected.
Now, you may think this is trivial, but it most certainly is not.
In fact, there is a famous Canadian children’s story called The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier.
It’s about a young boy in Quebec, where the Montreal Canadiens team is the most popular, and how his mother purchased a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey sweater for him instead of a Canadiens sweater.
It’s the equivalent of a young Hanshin Tigers fan receiving a Tokyo Giants baseball cap for Christmas.
Tragic!
To tackle polarization effectively, we can practice empathy and open communication.
Asking questions and being curious about others’ viewpoints can reduce division and promote understanding.
Remember, polarization doesn’t have to lead to conflict; it can be an opportunity for growth and learning.
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
This post compares in readability to The New York Times.
It is likely to be understood by a reader with at least a 10th-grade education (age 16).
On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 47.
The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100.