A divide is where different cultures meet — and clash.
The clash often starts innocently enough. Someone says, “Here’s what I think.” Then someone answers. “You’re wrong!” Conversation ends. Clash begins.
“Look at those amazing storm clouds!” The reply, “What lousy weather!”
Or, “I’m voting for so-and-so.” The reply, “Are you insane?”
Each reply takes what was said into a context for which it was not intended. “Those amazing storm clouds” aren’t amazing if felt as lousy weather, and voting for so-and-so isn’t sane if so-and-so looks as crooked as a bent nail.