A standard part of contemporary American culture is the division of society into “red” and “blue” components. Whether concerning states, cities, or ways of life, American society has become more polarized. Instead of the regionalism before the Civil War, these separations often have broken down between a rural versus urban dynamic. Some cities are even considered “red” havens. Bill Bishop first made these observations about 20 years ago, and this book culminated to define the dynamic in detail.
Religion, politics, professions, journalism, and personal interests are all caught up in the cultural separations. Interestingly, these divisions have happened naturally over time. Americans have self-sorted themselves into seeking tribes of people just like them. They have increasingly become siloed into communities that reflect and support their personal identities. Bishop traces this historical force back to 1965 when American public religion lessened as a national unifier.
As a lifelong Christian, I found the religious perspectives most interesting. I grew up in conservative evangelical circles, which Bishop labels private Protestantism, but found great meaning attending an “emerging church” during college, with people from many backgrounds. Now, I am active in a mainline church and follow social justice themes in religion, which Bishop labels public Protestantism. The book outlines all three phenomena in detail. I’m concerned that Christians’ ability to dialogue has become forked into two conversations; as such, we’re missing the full expression of God’s revelation in today’s world.
This book achieved significant impact in its time, and I’m grateful to have read the original work, in a new audiobook format. In the intervening years, cultural dynamics of American breakdown have only worsened, sadly. Unifying forces seem hard to come by. Understanding the diagnosis is the first step to identifying the treatment. This book will continue to speak to new generations and influence “red” and “blue” thinkers alike.
The Big Sort: Why the Clustering of Like-Minded America is Tearing Us Apart
By Bill Bishop
Narrated by Graham Halstead
Copyright (c) 2009, 2024
HarperAudio
ASIN B0CT9VX8KZ
Length: 12:30
Genre: Sociology
www.amazon.com