Is there really a culture war?

     In the Pew forum debate between professors Alan Wolfe and James Davison Hunter, there seemed to be a general consensus that a culture war existed in American politics. Where this divide exists and to what extent it affects political decisions is where the debate comes out. Wolfe believes that this culture war remains in the individual and is practically non-existent in modern politics. Any influence it may have in ultimately nominal. Overall, politics are more important that culture. This can be seen in the Roe v Wade court decision. This decision ultimately downcasts the views of the church, which formerly would have epitomized the American culture ideals. Instead, the ruling legalizes abortion, one thing most churches are strongly opposed to. Hunter has the stronger argument here though. He believes that this divide is drastic throughout the American culture as a whole. Culture dominates political decisions since people vote for politicians who support their personal beliefs, morals, and values.

     There is a culture war but it's not as widespread and drastic as the media makes it out to be. Of course there would be a cultural and political divide in a nation that allows its citizens to freely express their opinions. No one would ever think it would be possible for every single person to have the same opinion. There would be no need for government or a political system if that were true. This difference in opinions naturally creates a divide amongst the people. Those who agree on similar issues culminate together in order to more effectively have their voice heard.

Further reading on the topic:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/05/21/AR2010052101854.html?sid=ST2010052103072

http://campaignstops.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/07/the-persistence-of-the-culture-war/

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2006/01/why-the-culture-war-is-the-wrong-war/304502/?single_page=true