As the effects of the 2024 election begin, America stands at a crossroads—not just politically, but existentially. The increasing polarization of our government and society reflects something deeper than policy disagreements. We are witnessing an identity crisis, one that threatens the fabric of the nation itself.

For much of its history, America has been defined by a shared, albeit evolving, sense of identity. The ideals of freedom, democracy, and opportunity—however imperfectly realized—formed a common foundation. The nation has endured wars, economic downturns, and cultural shifts, yet a unifying belief in the American experiment remained intact. Today, that foundation appears fractured. The question of what it means to be American has become a battleground, with vastly different visions vying for dominance. On one side, those who proudly invoke heritage as an attempt to gain social credit and dominance over the concept of “Americanness.” On the other, a group who claim that there is no single definition. The spectrum of what it means to be an American, then, is not only deeply fractured post the 2024 election, but is far from meeting a consensus.

Furthermore, this election has underscored the divide. To some, America is a nation in decline, in need of restoration to a past that felt safer, more prosperous, or more familiar. For them, there has been a point where the United States was indeed great, and the return to the past is – therefore – not only necessary, but almost vital for the fabrics of the nation. Fear of a nation crumbling, then, seems to be a key player within the movement itself. To their political opponents, it is a work in progress, where progress itself is under siege. We, “the people” are no longer simply choosing between candidates or policies but between competing narratives about America’s very essence. We seem to be not in a political war against two parties, but against two opposing life philosophies that cannot peacefully coexist.

This identity crisis is fueled by echo chambers, where media and political rhetoric reinforce division rather than foster dialogue. Social media, in particular, has created ideological silos where individuals feed their own confirmation bias, only praising those arguments that favor and reaffirm their own. The rise of "us vs. them" politics has made “compromise” a dirty word, eroding the sense of a shared national purpose. Politics has stopped being a field where people respectfully and fruitfully debated. Now, it is an arena where the one that thinks of the fastest and most eloquent comeback wins. Nuances and complexity have given way to soundbites, outrage, and performative indignation. The incentive is not to persuade but to rally one’s base, deepening division, and discrediting opponents, often at the expense of the truth, which has become dramatically oversimplified.

Distrust in institutions, from the press to the electoral system, has reached historic levels. Many Americans question whether their votes will count or if their government truly represents them. When people cannot agree on basic facts, governance becomes nearly impossible. Civil disagreement, often seen as a fundamental tool to maintain a democratic system, is now viewed as betrayal to one’s “team.” As a result, political opponents are no longer seen as fellow citizens with differing perspectives but as existential threats to be defeated at all costs. Without trust in institutions or a willingness to engage, the nation risks descending further into dysfunction, where fear and resentment replace the shared purpose necessary to sustain democracy.

A path forward exists, but if nothing changes, its success is unlikely. Healing requires more than rhetoric about unity—it demands tangible action from political leaders, institutions, and citizens alike. Leaders must resist exploiting division for political gain and instead foster policies that encourage dialogue, mutual understanding, and civic duty. Media organizations must move away from sensationalism and toward fact-based reporting that promotes critical thinking rather than outrage. On an individual level, Americans must break free from ideological silos, seek perspectives beyond their own, and engage in difficult but necessary conversations. Schools and universities should prioritize civic education, teaching the importance of democratic participation, historical context, and media literacy to equip future generations to navigate polarization. Economic policies addressing inequality, job displacement, and rural decline must be prioritized to curb growing resentment that fuels extremism. America has faced crises before and emerged stronger, but only when its people chose cooperation over conflict. The choice is clear: remain entrenched in division or commit to rebuilding a national identity that values pluralism, dialogue, and democratic ideals. The time to act is now—before division becomes an irreversible fracture.

Iuri M. Piovezan received his Masters of Arts in Political Science from Villanova University and a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from Temple University. Currently, he is a J.D. student at Rutgers University.