ABSTRACT
The Encarta World English Dictionary (2009) defines ideology as a “meaningful belief system: a set of beliefs, values, and opinions that shapes the way a person or a group such as a social class thinks, acts, and understands the world.” It sounds like a positive thing, and it can be. Adopting particular ideologies helps us define ourselves and the world around us, providing a distinct point-of-view. It simplifies complex issues and gives us a sense of belonging and meaning. But blind allegiance to any ideology can be dangerous, focusing people on emotional rhetoric rather than on productive action. The dark side of ideology drives hatred, terrorism, and violence around the globe. And in the U.S., warring political ideologies have divided people unlike any other time in recent history. The opposing sides cannot seem to soften their beliefs enough to compromise for the good of the country. In fact, it is just this reality that Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana commented on when resigning, stating of Washington D.C. politics, “There is too much partisanship and not enough progress—too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving” (Cillizza, 2010). Regardless of personal political beliefs, I think people on both sides of the aisle would agree with the sentiment of Bayh’s remark. The country expects more of its leaders. They have to do better.
