Discrimination: Ideological

Discrimination is defined as "the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex." I would add, "on the grounds of ideology". I think, as a nation, we are afflicted with ideological discrimination. By that I mean that we tend to judge the ideology of a person or group, label them, and either wholistically embrace them or dismiss them based on that label. Consider the labels "conservative" or "liberal". I'm concerned that it is a common practice to label a person or group "liberal" or "conservative" and then, unknowingly discriminate, in the unhealthy definition of that word, against that person or group, and basically write off, so to speak, anything that that person or group is setting forth. It is as if we see some ulterior regressive or malicious motive in that person or group, and fear that if we capitulate on any point, no matter how credible or helpful, we will be allowing our culture to move in that regressive direction.  This could be based on a sincere desire for the common good, or on baser, more selfish motives. I think it is predominantly motivated by fear. In either case, the discriminatory process does not seem to be in the best interest of anyone, at least in the long run.  It generates the kind of polarization and gridlock we have seen in our government, but it is evident in our culture at large, not just in the political arena. Perhaps its presence in our culture is why it is prevalent in our political process.
We circumvent this regressive tendency by simply seeking and receiving what we believe to be True, in the altruistic since of that word, no matter what person or arena it is spoken from, and no matter how it affects the position or direction of power. I can be inspired by the loyalty [ if it is indeed evident ] of gang members without embracing any justification for criminal behaviors on their  part.  This brings to mind the other definition of "discrimination":  recognition and understanding of the difference between one thing and another;"discrimination between right and wrong."  This form of  healthy discrimination in regard to ideologies makes it possible for us to confidently avoid the other, regressive form of it.