Do you view POLARIZATION as a plus or a minus for a society?

It's often been said throughout history that a divided house cannot stand. As a Libertarian party member I get to see both sides of the aisle as I am socially liberal & fiscally conservative. I consider me 'universal' as I have friends on both sides of the political isle. Tragically I have heard this answer from more than one person in the past because of political orientation... "You can be my friend but I can't be your friend." This comes across to me as nothing more than elitism fostered by a groupie mentality. Do you personally believe this elitism mentality is beneficial or destructive to a society of people?