degrade – v. to make the quality of (something) worse

bent on – idiom having a strong desire to do (something)

restoration – n. re-establishment

pull punches – idiom to express criticism in a mild or kind way; usually used in negative statements

incentive – n. something that encourages a person to do something or to work harder

perceived – adj. something that is thought of

set the terms of – idiom to define the limits; to determine what will be discussed

ensue – v. to come at a later time; to happen as a result

playing right into – idiom to help someone without realizing it

narrative – n. a story that is told or written; the expression of beliefs

polarization/polarize – v. to cause (people or opinions) to separate into opposing groups

deep – adj. going far down; a long way from top to bottom

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