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The overton window is the range of acceptable topics of discussion in society, and is largely determined by a social network's size and diversity. The larger an
by TheAdamAndChe 6y ago
The overton window is the range of acceptable topics of discussion in society, and is largely determined by a social network's size and diversity. The larger and more diverse a network is, the more likely a statement is to offend someone.
Many of the social issues we see are caused by the overton window narrowing so quickly and fiercely that it's causing backlash. I'd bet that by slowing this restriction, we'd reduce the chance of social and governmental conflicts arising from swift social change. Banning facebook would do this.
- bmelton 6y agoI agree with this completely, with one small addendum. A large and diverse network is likely to offend more as more people come into contact with people they don't already have familiarity with, and less as they are less likely to come into contact with people they do. Rephrased: I'm better able to tell sincerity from my dear friend Eliza when she says something, whereas those same words phrased the exact same way may cause offense when heard from a stranger at a bar.
- TheAdamAndChe 6y agoWhile you are right, the growing cancel culture changes this dynamic and makes it potentially risky to offend someone else. If I say the wrong thing that would have been acceptable to say two decades ago, I could have my career ruined and my family put at risk of doxxing. This makes my personal (in)sensitivity irrelevant, the overton window is still restricted and causes social pressures.
- pjc50 6y agoThis is another "I can't get away with saying the N word in public without being fired" post, isn't it.
- SuoDuanDao 6y agoHow about an "I just learned it's insulting to call some people articulate and now I'm hesitant to compliment any minority co-worker in any way so who are you really helping?" post?
- kevinmchugh 6y agoI think I'm missing something here . Is cancel culture a big problem in the Solomon Islands?
- deleted 6y ago[deleted]
- ant6n 6y agoThat appears like a reactionary re-interpretation of the concept of an Overton window. Usually the concept is used to explain how previously unthinkable ideas can become mainstream. For example fascist ideas. Facebook was used to expand the range of "acceptable" ideas, perhaps even to the point where they´ve become mainstream.
- TheAdamAndChe 6y agoThank you, I was not aware of that. Can you provide a source for this so I can learn more? I learned the term from the Wikipedia page for overton window, which doesn't mention its use in the spreading of fascism at all[1]. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window
- ant6n 6y agoI'm saying that the discourse on Facebook has expanded the Overton window so that fascist ideas have become much more mainstream. The Wikipedia article (and the sources) talk about moving or expanding the Overton window, not on contracting it. I think the concept of a contracting Overton window is used to make a subtle jab at political correctness. In reality, in the last several years, toxic discourse has been on the rise.
- bmelton 6y agoThe window is measured in size and location. A window that includes fascism can be big or small, but is likely very far to the right. Similarly, a window that includes legalizing cocaine while banning political speech would need to be very large, ranging from far left to far right.