So, is this a good thing or a bad thing?

"America is Balkanizing, breaking down along the lines of religion, race, ethnicity, culture and ideology, and that Western peoples are facing demographic death by century's end". - Patrick Buchanan.

Identifying with people of have similar beliefs and values is a natural part of human nature. However, the ability to identify with our society as a whole is more important. Decisions on a national level should be made in the best interest of all citizens. Compromise is central to the process of advancing the society as a whole. Nobody can have it their way all of the time. Compromise is less likely if a loyalty is solely to other people with identical beliefs and backgrounds rather than to society as a whole.

This is what is happening in America now. Nobody is willing to compromise their views on how government should be conducted. This has resulted in the gridlock that is destroying our country.