Today, there are more barriers placed between individuals, states, and nations than ever before. Barriers can be anything that divides or polarizes individuals, states, and nations. Part of the reason for this is because of the modern age of mass communications with 24/7 media coverage. Every news outlet spins current event stories to meet their ideology standards. This methodology has been effective in indoctrinating people. Media outlets bombard people with massive amounts of information until they are completely brainwashed. This obviously creates more division and polarization amongst different political, racial, or religious ideologies around the globe. One would think technological advancements that improve communications between individuals and nations would break down barriers because it brings everyone closer together. However, this is not the case, and the opposite is true. Improved communications has only worked to highlight the differences between different factions and therefore, has created larger barriers. Improved communications and 24/7 media coverage has also made it possible for terrorists who hide out in remote sections of the globe. It has made it easier to recruit people to join their cause and to spread their hateful ideology. Advancements in technology and internet information also make it possible for terrorists to build weaponry.
Today, tensions between Iran and Israel are high because Iran is developing nuclear weaponry. Terrorist attacks in India have increased tensions between Pakistan and India to their highest levels in decades. Islamic extremist attacks around the globe have increased tensions between Western nations and the Muslim world. Needless to say, global tensions are high and advancements in communications and technology are partly to blame.
Today, in the United States, our liberal run government has worked to further polarize conservatives and progressives. Things have gotten so bad even the state of Texas has issued threats that it wants to secede from the union. Also, several states are filing lawsuits against the federal government to fight mandates in the recently passed ObamaCare legislation. The Tea Party movement has been rapidly growing and gaining traction around the nation which is generating more political friction between the right and left. Unfortunately, the point is that barriers are abundant in our daily lives.
Another problem that is creating ideological barriers is the human ego. Every person believes they have above average intellect and therefore, they believe their ideological views are 100% correct while their adversaries views are 100% wrong. This leaves little wiggle room for individuals to compromise and to work together to solve problems. Americans, regardless as to their views on controversial issues, neither side sees any room for compromises on abortion, capital punishment, health care, unions, climate change, gay marriage, gun control, and so forth. In other words, huge egos make it impossible to tear down barriers.
Can anything be done to remove barriers? There is not much hope, but the first thing people can do to eliminate barriers is to rid them from their personal lives. Work barriers may consist of segregated office space or even the cloths we wear. For instance, bosses who sit in big offices with expensive three piece suits may be creating barriers since their employees may view them as being to important to approach. The same can be said of individuals who have homes that isolate them from their neighbors. Big fences and overly lavish décor are a few examples.
National barriers are much harder to remove since in many cases the animosity that has built the barriers has been present for generations. However, trade agreements between conflicting nations are the simplest way to eliminate barriers. This can open up travel between rival nations while at the same time bolstering their economies and creating jobs. After all, what nation wants to do harm to a rival that they rely on for important natural resources, food, or other commodities? Trade treaties may not end terrorism, but it may make it harder for terror cells to recruit foot soldiers. Remember, terrorists will recruit uneducated and poor people that can be easily manipulated with propaganda. For example, there is a lot of animosity between China and the United States, but in recent years both countries have become dependent on each other for economic purposes. Thus, economic ties are bringing the two nations closer together.
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