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How Estrangement Has Become an Epidemic in America
Time ^ | December 13, 2024 | JOSHUA COLEMAN AND WILL JOHNSON

Posted on 03/29/2025 6:54:15 PM PDT by DoodleBob

He’s a father of a 28-year-old son and he’s hurting. A retired police officer, he proudly voted for Donald Trump every time he ran and never hid his political beliefs from his family. “My son and his wife say that since I’m a fan of Trump they’re no fan of mine and cut me off,” he said. “Now I can’t see my only grandchild who I was so close to. It’s crazy and it’s tragic.”

Social psychologists have long understood that merely identifying with a group in competitive contexts can lead people to view those outside the group less favorably. Historically, those dividing lines were differences like religion, race and ethnicity, age, and gender. Today, political affiliation is the most significant determinant of this us-them division, research shows. Furthermore, affective polarization makes “belongers” feel justified in treating those in the opposing party with disdain, contempt, and even hostility.

… 

According to our research, today, 1 in 2 adults is estranged from a close relative. While the primary cause of these rifts is often tied to something a relative said or did, 1 in 5 directly cite political differences as the reason. Among those estranged over politics, nearly half report that the break occurred within the past year, with 1 in 7 stating it happened as recently as the month leading into the election…

Just over half of those who are estranged because of politics want to reconcile to some degree, and an apology from the relative or demonstrable change in their behavior may increase that potential. But most say reconnecting is unlikely, with 1 in 5 saying they never want to make up. Our survey shows that even a death in the family or an intervention by a relative isn’t enough to get most to resume contact.

(Excerpt) Read more at time.com ...


TOPICS: Society
KEYWORDS: culture; estrangement; families; family; intolerance; politics; tds
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To: DJ Frisat

Your experience is echoed throughout the country.

Search estrangement parents and you will discover almost 35 percent of parents have one or more estranged child.

People are hurt and ashamed. They often think that it is somehow their fault.

It is not you and you cannot fix it.


21 posted on 03/29/2025 7:29:25 PM PDT by Chickensoup
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To: Reddy

That is very sad. The grandchild may end up resenting that and cutting off the parents or at least being angry about what the parents did. (later). Speaking from experience.


22 posted on 03/29/2025 7:29:32 PM PDT by goodnesswins (Democracy to Democrats is stealing other peoples money for their use, no matter how idiotic)
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To: ladyjane

And all that spoiling ruined their minds, hearts and souls.


23 posted on 03/29/2025 7:32:23 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as)
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To: ponygirl

With significant estrangement you won’t know or see the grands.

Leave it to those who are kind to you.


24 posted on 03/29/2025 7:32:31 PM PDT by Chickensoup
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To: Reddy

I have a nephew in California who lost his job due to Doge cutting off the gravy train for some recycling battery crap. Now, he blames his parents in Texas who voted for Trump.


25 posted on 03/29/2025 7:32:45 PM PDT by crusty old prospector
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To: DoodleBob

Since early January, I have seen posts, usually 3-5 per day, by one sibling on FB. I am not on FB, but my spouse is, so we can see the posts. They are 100% anti-Trump, but also with plenty of blustering about how only really stupid people would support Trump. Then my other 4 siblings and several cousins all add comments in agreement with this person’s posts.

Last year, we had a 4 sisters’ weekend, for the first time ever, living in 4 different states, we got together. I have to think, that if they wanted to do another one, I would either not be invited or I would decline, since it is so clear they all think I am some kind of evil monster.

Up until about November, we just never discussed politics at all. It seems clear to me that those days are in the past now. It makes me sad.


26 posted on 03/29/2025 7:34:35 PM PDT by NEMDF
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To: DJ Frisat

I am so sorry to hear your story. That is very sad. Prayers for you and your wife.


27 posted on 03/29/2025 7:38:00 PM PDT by NEMDF
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To: DJ Frisat; HartleyMBaldwin; Chickensoup

There have been three rather pivotal moments in America since Reagan that have shifted relationships meaningfully.

1. 9/11 and the Iraq War.

2. Obama destroying race relations.

3. Trump and 2020 (covid and the riots).

#3 has been the most acute. Things have not returned to normal. Many people have also not “come back.”

I pray for reconciliation for those who want to have harmony.


28 posted on 03/29/2025 7:39:06 PM PDT by DoodleBob (Gravity's waiting period is about 9.8 m/s² )
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To: DoodleBob

The Democrats are a death cult that practices shunning and breaks up families.


29 posted on 03/29/2025 7:39:19 PM PDT by Salman (Lasu Eŭropon bruli!)
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To: ponygirl

“The easy way to deal with that is rewrite your will to skip over the ungrateful children and give every thing to the grands when they reach a certain age. “

Who has control over the assets till they reach a certain age?


30 posted on 03/29/2025 7:40:51 PM PDT by TexasGator (/''1'111'111111111/)
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To: DoodleBob

Just reading the headline I knew this was going to be about #TDS Trump Derangement Syndrome.

My MIL’s brother disowned most of the rest of the family (of course including me and the wife) over Trump 6-7 years ago. His loss.


31 posted on 03/29/2025 7:41:22 PM PDT by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
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To: DoodleBob

Just reading the headline I knew this was going to be about #TDS Trump Derangement Syndrome.

My MIL’s brother disowned most of the rest of the family (of course including me and the wife) over Trump 6-7 years ago. His loss.


32 posted on 03/29/2025 7:41:29 PM PDT by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
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To: Fuzz
It’s toxic bs.

So you think your family is right in cutting you off?

Well, I suppose you know you best.

33 posted on 03/29/2025 7:42:12 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear ( Not my circus. Not my monkeys. But I can pick out the clowns at 100 yards.)
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To: ponygirl
With the wide variety of "dating services" out there ......

Someone should set up a service that links politically-shunned grandparents to adult couples within an hour's drive, who have small kids with no living grandparents, and who are conservative or middle of the road politically. They can "adopt" those families - at least emotionally if not legally. To include birthdays + holidays. Maybe even a vacation together, paid for by the adoptive grandparents.

If this situation works out longterm, I'd expect the adoptive grandparents would seriously consider changing their wills.

I mean, why not?

34 posted on 03/29/2025 7:42:29 PM PDT by CardCarryingMember.VastRightWC (Unity? Of course! I pledge to respect your President as much as you respected mine the past 4 years.)
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To: Ge0ffrey

And of satan.


35 posted on 03/29/2025 7:42:33 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as)
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To: Salman

The demonrat cult is an unholy abomination from hell itself.


36 posted on 03/29/2025 7:43:57 PM PDT by No name given ( Anonymous is who you’ll know me as)
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To: Harmless Teddy Bear

‘ So you think your family is right in cutting you off?’

Not surprised you missed the point, and so much so, your post reflects the point being made.


37 posted on 03/29/2025 7:44:44 PM PDT by Fuzz
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To: NEMDF
they all think I am some kind of evil monster.

First, I’m very sorry for the situation in which you find yourself.

Second, remember is it live or Memorex? Social media bluster often is Memorex. I’ve seen one friend basically go off the rails in a lefty way on social media, but in-person they’re still cordial. This friend is in a very left-wing industry and I suspect the social media blather is to stay in good graces professionally.

I pray there is a future where you and your family can go back to normality. I’ll pray for you at Church tomorrow.

38 posted on 03/29/2025 7:45:40 PM PDT by DoodleBob (Gravity's waiting period is about 9.8 m/s² )
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To: Fuzz
You were the one who said you posted toxic bs.

I was just asking if you agreed with your families response to it. Surely they should instead respond with love and care for you because you are so miserable and unhappy.

39 posted on 03/29/2025 7:47:27 PM PDT by Harmless Teddy Bear ( Not my circus. Not my monkeys. But I can pick out the clowns at 100 yards.)
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To: DJ Frisat

Liberalism is a mental disorder.

And my condolences on the whole situation.


40 posted on 03/29/2025 7:48:57 PM PDT by FreedomPoster (Islam delenda est)
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