In the United States in 2024, elections are no longer just a moment to express democracy and patriotism, but are filled with uneasiness and anxiety. Long-term political divisions and social dissatisfaction have cast a shadow of violence and hostility over this year's election. At this sensitive moment, Americans across the country, from voters to candidates, from ordinary communities to government agencies, are anxious about what may happen on Election Day and afterwards.

From ideal to reality: a divided political atmosphere

Once upon a time, American elections were considered a moment for citizens to resolve their differences through voting. However, the reality in 2024 is that elections are shrouded in uneasiness, hatred and threats of violence. In the past few months, election-related violence has occurred frequently: ballot boxes have been set on fire, campaign rallies have been threatened, and some people have even brandished weapons to intimidate voters. All this shows that the election environment in the United States is no longer simply about the struggle between candidates, but has penetrated into every corner of society.

Anxiety and disappointment under multiple crises

In the past four years, the United States has experienced many crises, from the COVID-19 pandemic to economic recession, from racial issues to immigration conflicts, and these turbulent events have deepened the rifts in society. The Capitol riots, the controversy over abortion rights, and soaring prices have made people feel uneasy about the future. As candidates continue to attack their opponents, voters' fears about the future are growing.

For Democrats, this election is not only about policy, but also about what they believe to be the "survival of democracy." Many supporters believe that if Trump wins the election, the United States will face a more authoritarian future. On the other hand, Republicans are concerned about illegal immigration and national security, and strongly support Trump's accusation that the 2020 election was "stolen." Both sides are facing this election in extreme tension and anxiety.

Social Psychological Transformation: From Anxiety to Confrontation

For many voters, concerns about violence have become part of their daily lives. In Michigan, some voters bought guns for self-defense for possible conflicts, while in North Carolina, some residents chose to stay at home as much as possible during the election. Faced with the upcoming election, many communities have strengthened security measures, and some commercial districts have even boarded up windows to prevent possible riots.

Amid anxiety about the future, social media and media reports are also fueling the public's fear. Many people are worried that violent conflicts may break out in various places if the election results are not as expected, and some even think that this will be the end of American democracy. This deep-seated uneasiness reflects the extreme uncertainty of the entire country about the future.

Deepening political divisions: the division of families and communities

Election divisions not only affect public life, but also penetrate into people's families and private lives. In this election season, many American families have conflicts due to different political positions, and even lead to the breakdown of couples or parent-child relationships. In communities that traditionally lean toward the Republican Party, people who support the Democratic Party tend to remain silent, and vice versa. Many families avoid talking about politics during the holidays to avoid disputes, and this atmosphere of division has permeated all aspects of people's lives.

Among some Republican supporters, there are even concerns about neighborhood relations. They are afraid that their neighbors will look down on them or be hostile for expressing their political positions. Conversely, people who support the Democratic Party have similar concerns. The division of the community reflects the extreme uneasiness of American society under the current situation, and also shows that people's confidence in the future has been greatly weakened.

The interweaving of religion and populism

In this highly politically sensitive period, the influence of religious forces in elections cannot be ignored. In some areas, religious leaders openly support specific candidates and even view elections as a battle "against evil." In some churches in Nebraska, pastors define elections as a battle against "evil forces" and call on believers to support specific candidates. This combination of religion and politics has led many people to view elections as a struggle of morality and faith, rather than just a choice of policy or party.

This populist sentiment has also laid the seeds for social conflict. More and more extreme supporters see the results of the election as the victory of "justice" or the rise of "evil." This way of interweaving politics and faith makes elections no longer just a political process, but a deep emotional and moral conflict.

Looking to the future: How to get out of the shadow of division and violence

Amid this anxiety, there are also some voices of hope in American society. Some people believe that no matter what the election results are, the United States will continue to move forward. Some people say that the results of the election do not necessarily determine everything, and the ultimate goal is to build a more united country.

Psychologists believe that in order to avoid further social division, the United States needs more dialogue and understanding. Many public policy experts have also called for easing the current tensions by strengthening voter education, reducing political polarization, and promoting community dialogue. In addition, politicians should also promote tolerance and inclusion after the election to repair social relations divided by the election season.

The United States, under anxiety, urgently needs to be healed

The 2024 election showed unprecedented division and anxiety in American society. The threat of violence, political confrontation and social unrest are intertwined to form a grim situation. When facing the future, Americans need to re-examine the foundation of their democracy and choose reason and unity instead of letting hatred and violence continue to tear society apart.

Regardless of the outcome, the US election season is no longer just a voting process, but an opportunity for social dialogue. The country needs to step out of the current shadow by strengthening consensus and understanding and find a new balance for future development.