--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A thing that really troubles me about a…" description: "\"A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized society is that you stop having a sense of society and citizenship.\" — Chrystia Freeland" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg" --- # A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized… ![“A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized society is that you stop having a sense of society and citizenship.” quote by Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg) > “A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized society is that you stop having a sense of society and citizenship.” [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Polarization erodes collective identity, weakening civic responsibility and shared purpose. **In simple terms:** Divided societies lose a sense of community. Key Takeaway Foster dialogue and common ground. Themes civic engagement social cohesion polarization Mood concerned hopeful Type political analytical When to use this quote - community building - educational programs - media literacy - political reform Key Concepts Political science social psychology public policy Questions to Reflect On - How can we rebuild shared values? - What role does media play in division? A Different Perspective Some argue that strong identities can mobilize positive change. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Citizenship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citizenship/) [Polarized](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/polarized/) [Society](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/society/) ## Related quotes > [People should be able to develop their abilities and interests and have access to such goods as friendship, artistry, and nature and a political…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catherine-wilson/people-should-be-able-to-develop-their-abilities-and-interests-and/) [Catherine Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catherine-wilson/) > [I find that Americans are all in the middle somewhere, except for the extreme nuts, and extreme nuts on both sides are the loudest.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-titus/i-find-that-americans-are-all-in-the-middle-somewhere-except-for-the/) [Christopher Titus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-titus/) > [I think if you look at where things are in this current political climate, you'll see that everything is polarized. Everyone has their own…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-schenkkan/i-think-if-you-look-at-where-things-are-in-this-current-political/) Robert Schenkkan > [What I would like to be remembered for is that Walter Washington changed the spirit of the people of this city, that he came…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walter-washington/what-i-would-like-to-be-remembered-for-is-that-walter-washington/) Walter Washington > [It has almost become a cliche that we are a polarized country, but the reality runs deeper.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-sykes/it-has-almost-become-a-cliche-that-we-are-a-polarized-country-but-the/) [Charlie Sykes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-sykes/) > [The country is polarized. And I think part of it - it is not just social media. We get our facts from different places.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-paulson/the-country-is-polarized-and-i-think-part-of-it-it-is-not-just-social/) [Henry Paulson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-paulson/) > [There is such a polarized discussion of economics among people like analysts, columnists, bloggers; often, they end up just saying that views other than…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adam-davidson/there-is-such-a-polarized-discussion-of-economics-among-people-like/) [Adam Davidson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adam-davidson/) > [I think a lot of the most interesting work in art and in films are often kind of polarized opinions and affect people in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lily-cole/i-think-a-lot-of-the-most-interesting-work-in-art-and-in-films-are/) [Lily Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lily-cole/) > [We're trying to build a platform utilizing the Internet that allows the good American people to speak out about their frustration about the polarized…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hamilton-jordan/we-re-trying-to-build-a-platform-utilizing-the-internet-that-allows/) [Hamilton Jordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hamilton-jordan/) > [Immigration in America is a highly polarized issue and there are passionate views on both sides.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/spencer-bachus/immigration-in-america-is-a-highly-polarized-issue-and-there-are/) [Spencer Bachus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/spencer-bachus/) > [Especially now when views are becoming more polarized, we must work to understand each other across political, religious and national boundaries.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jane-goodall/especially-now-when-views-are-becoming-more-polarized-we-must-work-to/) [Jane Goodall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jane-goodall/) > [Unfortunately, our country has become so politically polarized that one side routinely attempts to destroy and discredit the other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mercedes-schlapp/unfortunately-our-country-has-become-so-politically-polarized-that/) [Mercedes Schlapp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mercedes-schlapp/) > [Forcing polarized groups into a swarm allows them to find the answer that most people are satisfied with.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/louis-b-rosenberg/forcing-polarized-groups-into-a-swarm-allows-them-to-find-the-answer/) [Louis B. Rosenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/louis-b-rosenberg/) > [America already suffers from a uniformed and increasingly polarized citizenry. FOX seems to eagerly exploit this dynamic, and in so doing, accentuate it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-lubetzky/america-already-suffers-from-a-uniformed-and-increasingly-polarized/) [Daniel Lubetzky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-lubetzky/) > [I think America has always been polarized... It's a racist country and it has always been.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alice-walker/i-think-america-has-always-been-polarized-it-s-a-racist-country-and/) [Alice Walker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alice-walker/) ## More by Chrystia Freeland > [We recognize that NAFTA is a three-country agreement, and we need a three-country negotiation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/we-recognize-that-nafta-is-a-three-country-agreement-and-we-need-a/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [In a globalized economy, jobs no longer need a passport, but workers do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/in-a-globalized-economy-jobs-no-longer-need-a-passport-but-workers-do/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [When you think of technological revolution, you probably think of geeks in cool coastal spaces like the Google campus, or perhaps of math wizards…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/when-you-think-of-technological-revolution-you-probably-think-of/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [It was surprising to me to hear a member question whether another member of the House was an adult. We're all adults in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/it-was-surprising-to-me-to-hear-a-member-question-whether-another/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [Especially among journalists, politics is not a pursuit that's held in high esteem. We tend to be cynical about it - but I actually…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/especially-among-journalists-politics-is-not-a-pursuit-that-s-held-in/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [Talking about income inequality, even if you're not on the Forbes 400 list, can make us feel uncomfortable. It feels less positive, less optimistic,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/talking-about-income-inequality-even-if-you-re-not-on-the-forbes-400/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [The chief job of foreign policy today is helping to figure out the rules for the global economy and defending each nation's interests within…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/the-chief-job-of-foreign-policy-today-is-helping-to-figure-out-the/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [I love the Internet. I love my mobile devices. I love the fact that they mean that whoever chooses to will be able to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/i-love-the-internet-i-love-my-mobile-devices-i-love-the-fact-that/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [TED is certainly a gathering of an incredibly eclectic, incredibly interesting community, but it's also an elite community - at least an important portion…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/ted-is-certainly-a-gathering-of-an-incredibly-eclectic-incredibly/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [Motherhood may be a 'killer' when it comes to becoming a Master of the Universe, but among middle-class mothers, even after that touch of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/motherhood-may-be-a-killer-when-it-comes-to-becoming-a-master-of-the/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [Western investment is usually assumed to walk hand-in-hand with the democratic values of its home countries, and indeed, opening an economy to outside money…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/western-investment-is-usually-assumed-to-walk-hand-in-hand-with-the/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [Twitter-lutionaries are good at toppling regimes, but in the Mideast and North Africa, they're losing out to the Islamists, who've built protest movements the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/twitter-lutionaries-are-good-at-toppling-regimes-but-in-the-mideast/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [I am a very strong supporter of our government's view that it is important to engage with all countries around the world - very…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/i-am-a-very-strong-supporter-of-our-government-s-view-that-it-is/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [The high-tech, globalized capitalism of the 21st century is very different from the postwar version of capitalism that performed so magnificently for the middle…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/the-high-tech-globalized-capitalism-of-the-21st-century-is-very/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) > [When Canada works to counter extremism and terrorism, particularly in the Middle East, Israel is always a natural partner and a close ally.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/when-canada-works-to-counter-extremism-and-terrorism-particularly-in/) [Chrystia Freeland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) [Explore all 102 Chrystia Freeland quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/) ## More Citizenship quotes > [Philosopher is a dictator who modifies accepted standards with his thoughts.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/philosopher-is-a-dictator-who-modifies-accepted-standards-with-his/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [The rich people are apparently leaving America. They're giving up their citizenship. These great lovers of America who made their money in this country-when…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bernie-sanders/the-rich-people-are-apparently-leaving-america-they-re-giving-up/) [Bernie Sanders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernie-sanders/) > [If you don't plan to live the Christian life totally committed to knowing your God and to walking in obedience to Him, then don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kay-arthur/if-you-don-t-plan-to-live-the-christian-life-totally-committed-to/) [Kay Arthur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kay-arthur/) > [Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in bonds of fraternal…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/abraham-lincoln/let-us-at-all-times-remember-that-all-american-citizens-are-brothers/) [Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/abraham-lincoln/) > [There can be a debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act, but why should we shelter someone who has come to India illegally from outside?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/raj-thackeray/there-can-be-a-debate-on-the-citizenship-amendment-act-but-why-should/) [Raj Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/raj-thackeray/) > [Motherland is our property and we have right to handle our properties as pleased. The jokes about death for the sake of the motherland…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/motherland-is-our-property-and-we-have-right-to-handle-our-properties/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [Your best friends are your principles, if you havent them, dont look for another friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/your-best-friends-are-your-principles-if-you-havent-them-dont-look/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [The point I wish plainly to bring before you on this occasion is the individuality of each human soul--our Protestant idea, the right of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elizabeth-cady-stanton/the-point-i-wish-plainly-to-bring-before-you-on-this-occasion-is-the/) [Elizabeth Cady Stanton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elizabeth-cady-stanton/) > [A strong saying is not afraid of criticism, because it includes all the answers to criticism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ilkin-santak/a-strong-saying-is-not-afraid-of-criticism-because-it-includes-all/) [Ilkin Santak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ilkin-santak/) > [Undeniably, character does count for our citizens, out communities, and our Nation, and this week we celebrate the importance of character in our individual…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-j-clinton/undeniably-character-does-count-for-our-citizens-out-communities-and/) [William J. Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-j-clinton/) > [“Encouraging Robert E. Lee to take a job as college president, "You might be presenting to the world in such a position an example…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-nelson-pendleton/encouraging-robert-e-lee-to-take-a-job-as-college-president-you-might/) William Nelson Pendleton > [“What constitutes an American? Not color nor race nor religion. Not the pedigree of his family nor the place of his birth. Not the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-ickes/what-constitutes-an-american-not-color-nor-race-nor-religion-not-the/) Harold Ickes > [In an age of interdependence, global citizenship - based on trust and sense of shared responsibility - is a crucial pillar of progress. At…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kofi-annan/in-an-age-of-interdependence-global-citizenship-based-on-trust-and/) [Kofi Annan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kofi-annan/) > [Strengthening our identity is one way of reinforcing people's confidence and sense of citizenship and well-being.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-blunkett/strengthening-our-identity-is-one-way-of-reinforcing-people-s/) [David Blunkett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-blunkett/) > [We are not to simply bandage the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice, we are to drive a spoke into the wheel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dietrich-bonhoeffer/we-are-not-to-simply-bandage-the-wounds-of-victims-beneath-the-wheels/) [Dietrich Bonhoeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dietrich-bonhoeffer/) [Browse all 793 Citizenship quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/citizenship/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized society is that you stop having a sense of society and citizenship.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Chrystia Freeland" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a-more-polarized-society-is/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Citizenship" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a-more-polarized-society-is/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/36f/chrystia-freeland-5308_citizenship_a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a_298499.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“A thing that really troubles me about a more polarized society is that you stop having a sense of society…” — Chrystia Freeland", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Chrystia Freeland", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chrystia-freeland/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "A thing that really troubles me...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a-more-polarized-society-is/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chrystia-freeland/a-thing-that-really-troubles-me-about-a-more-polarized-society-is/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```