Cultural Narratives and Moral Circles: Mapping the Politics of Identity in Contemporary America

The paper delves into the socio-cultural political divide in the United States (U.S.), highlighted by the contradictions between the Democratic and Republican parties, particularly following the elections of President Donald J. Trump. By examining the conflict through the lens of values, symbols, and identity, the paper underscores the shifts in foreign policy stances, party alignment along identity lines, contentious political debates, media influence, symbolism in sports, and anti-immigrant sentiments. The foreign policy landscape, once characterized by bipartisan consensus, has been disrupted post-2016, highlighting unresolved historical and cultural issues within the U.S. The socio-cultural conflict is further explored through Hofstede’s cultural theories and Ross’s narrative analysis, elucidating how identity politics and cultural narratives perpetuate the divide. The media and sports are examined as arenas where ideological conflict is prominently displayed, with media coverage often polarized along party lines and sports becoming a battleground for symbolic nationalistic debates. Language and Latino experiences are discussed to illustrate the role of cultural traditions and discrimination in the broader socio-political context. Solutions are proposed, emphasizing the need for political analysis that respects individual narratives, cultural analysis to bridge divides, and fostering multilingualism to reduce political conflict. The paper concludes with a call for a paradigm shift in U.S. politics, advocating for collaboration between parties to address the deep-rooted cultural divides and promote a more inclusive and harmonious society.