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Is it even possible to step back from this level of polarization? Centrists quickly get shoved into one side or the other depending on where their funding or family loyalties are. It just keeps ratcheting up when I start to think it's starting to level off

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That's because most supposed "centrists" are just one side or the other pretending to be not that side. Real centrists exist, but are rare.

Honestly, yes I think it is possible for things to get better because they have frankly been FAR worse, for reference see most of human history. Most of us lived our formative years in an era of unprecedented peace, we currently find ourselves in an era of transition which often leads to periods of tribalism and strife.

I suppose that's the long and short of it. Material excess just gives us a break from tribalism, but it's always there just under the surface. I'll try to share your optimism

> Material excess just gives us a break from tribalism

Material excess is what gives many people a means to express their tribalism in the way that they do instead of being occupied with some productive activity for the common good.

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