The Othering of Politics

The "Othering" of politics refers to when political discussions become divisive, causing groups or individuals to see opponents as fundamentally different, flawed, or less legitimate. This process encourages us to view those with different views not as fellow citizens with valid perspectives, but as outsiders or enemies. It can deepen polarization, reducing empathy and understanding, and making productive dialogue difficult. Essentially, it’s a way of distancing ourselves from those who hold different political beliefs, which hampers collaboration and weakens democratic discourse.