In the sweeping architecture of the American social contract, rituals have long been treated as neutral ground—the secular cathedrals where a divided people might still break bread. Since the inception of the Olympic Games, athletics have functioned as a Secular Religion, providing a universal bridge of meritocracy that historically suspended even the bloodiest of wars. Yet, in 2026, that bridge is being dismantled by design. The decision by President Trump and Turning Point USA to host a separate “All-American Halftime Show” marks a definitive Macro-to-Micro Pivot: the transition of the stadium from a national town square into a fortified battleground of identity.
Tag Archives: polarization
The Impact of Hate Speech on Community
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When hateful rhetoric spreads, whether online or offline, its damage extends far beyond the direct victims. We find that hate speech fundamentally threatens the bedrock of society—community cohesion. It actively works to fracture social relationships, erode shared democratic values, and deepen existing societal divisions, making it one of the most common ways of spreading divisive rhetoric on a global scale. This is why international bodies, including the United Nations and UNESCO, view the fight against hate speech as critical to advancing peace, human rights, and sustainable development. Continue reading