By Wally Sarkeesian
Deep cultural and political polarization
- Red vs. Blue, rural vs. urban, progressive vs. conservative.
- Increasing hostility online and offline.
- People no longer just disagree — they distrust and dehumanize each other.
Media echo chambers
- People live in different “information realities.”
- Social media amplifies conflict and outrage.
- Algorithms push division for profit.
Institutional breakdown or mistrust
- Faith in government, elections, courts, police, and media is at historic lows.
- Both sides believe the other is “breaking the system.”
Nonviolent conflict turning personal
- Families divided.
- Violence in protests.
- Political violence (like Jan. 6 or attacks on judges) is viewed as justifiable by some.
Not in the traditional sense of North vs South or organized militias
- A society fractured along ideological lines
- Where peaceful coexistence is constantly strained
- And where people see their fellow citizens as enemies…
Then yes, you could call it a “cold” or “silent” civil war.