The highly anticipated film “Civil War” is set to be released in theaters nationwide this Friday, and I have a feeling it’s going to be a must-see for many people.
As we approach a highly anticipated rematch between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, it is evident that certain unsettling themes have come to the forefront of our collective consciousness. This contest features two individuals who, despite their unpopularity, have found themselves once again vying for leadership of the nation for the next four years.
In the gripping film, Kirsten Dunst takes on the role of a journalist while Nick Offerman portrays the president of the United States. Set in the not-so-distant future, the story unfolds in a time where the president holds an authoritarian grip and is serving his third term. Against this backdrop, the nation finds itself deeply divided, engulfed in volatility, and engaged in internal conflict.
The factions’ political leanings are not explicitly stated, but the implications are apparent, considering that this is a creation of uber-liberal Hollywood released just months before a crucial presidential election.
Biden and the left are already emphasizing the idea that this election revolves around “democracy” and portraying Trump as the most significant threat our republic has ever faced.
Regardless of your political beliefs, it is important to consider the message conveyed by the movie. It raises thought-provoking questions about our current state of polarization and the disdain we often hold towards those who differ from us.
Alex Garland, the writer and director of “Civil War,” emphasized the importance of this aspect.
During a panel discussion at South by Southwest Film & TV, he expressed his political stance and emphasized his friendships with individuals who hold differing political views. He questioned the difficulty in maintaining such relationships and the tendency to shut down conversations. To him, the political divide simply represents ideological disagreements on state governance rather than a binary categorization of good versus bad. He believes in the importance of the democratic process, wherein different approaches are tested and evaluated, allowing for the possibility of adaptation and improvement.
Garland emphasizes that merging politics with morality in such a manner is immensely perilous.
He is correct. This mindset implies that if you have a disagreement with someone, you not only view their ideas unfavorably but also pass judgment on them as an individual.
Americans are worried
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According to a national poll conducted by Grinnell College in March, around 25% of respondents expressed doubt about the future of our system of government, with some even believing that American democracy may come to an end during their lifetime.
It is quite surprising to see such a significant figure.
According to a recent poll conducted by YouGov and the Economist in 2022, over 40% of Americans believe that a civil war in the United States is likely or somewhat likely within the next decade. The percentage increases to 54% among individuals who identify themselves as strong Republicans. This finding aligns with similar surveys conducted in recent years.
According to a recent survey, approximately 25% of Americans are in favor of their state seceding from the United States. Interestingly, residents in Alaska, California, and Texas show the highest level of openness towards this idea.
What will be the outcome of all this division and uncertainty surrounding the future of our country?
The United States is expected to become more internally focused and divided on various issues such as immigration, race, inequality, and sexual and gender identity.
Will the 2024 election tear America apart? Here’s how we can maintain unity.
Do we only care if our side wins?
Americans appear to have developed a concerning belief that only their chosen candidate is capable of upholding our democracy. It is important to note that when referring to our system of government, we often use the term “democracy” as a simplified version of our constitutional republic, which is the more accurate terminology.
According to a recent poll conducted by Canada’s Angus Reid Institute, a significant majority of both Trump and Biden supporters express concerns about the state of democracy in the country if the opposing side emerges victorious. Surprisingly, a mere 32% of voters claim that they will wholeheartedly accept the outcome of the 2024 election, irrespective of the winner.
Both Republicans and Democrats express concerns about the potential for a shift towards authoritarianism, but their worry primarily arises when their respective parties are not in power.
Trump is correct in stating that the issue of abortion is best left to individual states to decide. However, in order to maintain consistency, he must apply this principle across all areas of governance.
According to a recent headline from the Associated Press, a poll conducted by AP-NORC found that Americans believe a president’s power should be checked, unless it is their own side that wins.
According to the survey, it was discovered that only around 20% of Americans believe that it would be favorable for the next president to independently modify policies. However, this perspective significantly varies based on political affiliation. Approximately 60% of Republicans express support for executive power if Trump is re-elected, while 40% of Democrats hold the same viewpoint regarding Biden’s potential second term.
Both Biden and Trump have demonstrated a willingness to assume executive power when it is convenient for them.
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Unchecked power is unacceptable, even if you happen to agree with the policies of the person wielding that power. The Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances to ensure that no branch of government exceeds its limits.
Having an intense mistrust of the opposing side, coupled with an excessive amount of trust in our own, can create a volatile situation.
Perhaps the movie “Civil War” has a point.
You can reach Ingrid Jacques, a columnist at USA TODAY, by emailing her at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, where she can be found at @Ingrid_Jacques.
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Are we on the brink of a new ‘Civil War’? Hollywood exploits fears of a Trump-Biden rematch.
