Online politicking receives temporary reprieve

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And why do you think that is?

Why have people become so (apparently) apathetic? Could it possibly be because most people hold views that are not extremist, but are constantly bombarded by extremists on both sides of any issue? Could it be that most people really are intelligent, and can decide for themselves how much any given issue impacts their own lives? Could it be that most people understand that issues are complex and can't be boiled down into 'soundbites' or rhetorical diatribes intended to whip people into emotional frenzies? Could it be that people are tired of what is called 'debate' these days, what really amounts to no more than juvenile name-calling and taunting that pre-schoolers would be embarrassed to engage in on the playground? Could it be that people are simply fed up with being constantly told how ignorant they are, or how stupid they are, or how 'wrong' they are? Could it be that people have learned not to trust anyone claiming to be speaking 'for the people', whether that claimant is a politician, religious leader, or 'journalist'?

Don't mistake a disinterest in participating in what laughingly passes for 'discourse' today for apathy. There's no quicker way to 'turn off' people than to be constantly screaming in their ears, especially if you're also telling them how stupid they are. Why should they listen to that?

Carl Rapson

Posted by: rapson   Posted on: 03/24/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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