Divisiveness of a population is caused by many things. A traditional one is geography. Weather conditions, resources, terrain, density, and vegetation cause people in one area to feel different about life than others in a different area. Think the Civil War.

            Race and ethnicity are two natural divisions that can be easily overcome in all areas if all agree to jump into the melting pot. Centuries have gone by with some people being kept separate. Millions don’t want to jump into the pot and live with others like themselves. My first actual contact with ethnic seclusion was a very proud Polish Superintendent. He talked about the Polish community he grew up with in Chicago. Many of the older generation had been born in the several blocks and would die there without ever learning English, shopping or venturing outside the community.

            Another barrier is economic; money or a lack of it. Millions have overcome that barrier with education or a skill and have put themselves and their families on a different path. Too often they don’t cross the other barriers because they are not allowed to or don’t want to melt.

            Politics is another divisive issue. Moderates are able to cross back and forth but the more radical people are less likely to join other groups.

            These are just a few of the many issues separating Americans. The primary barrier today is the internet and its social media entities which could lessen barriers but will more probably increase and deepen barriers.