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In a lot of ways, that's worse. If it were just the politicians, we could vote them out. We can't vote out the people. The people are angry, at each other, in
by jfengel 2y ago
In a lot of ways, that's worse. If it were just the politicians, we could vote them out.
We can't vote out the people. The people are angry, at each other, in ways disproportionate to the nuance and compromise. It becomes self-reinforcing.
I'll be blunt that I think some people are more at fault than others. But I don't know how to stop that.
I wish it were just the politicians, or even just the media. Then there would be things that I could do. But when the people hate each other -- and I genuinely believe they do -- I can't think of any options.
- chronofar 2y agoI think the evidence is that, on the whole (since we’re broadly referring to “people” and obviously there is tremendous diversity contained within), people do not hate each other, they hate the “other” team (whatever that may be). We’re wired for in/out group think to such a high degree that it’s incredibly easy to dial in division and purpose it to some end. Two individuals in a room are more likely to find common ground than hate until you bring up the right sport they happen to be on opposing teams for.
- jfengel 2y agoThe way I see it, the "other" team is made of people. If they endorse the other team's position to harm me, I take it personally. I don't care what they are like in person. I care what message they send to their elected officials, who have the power to harm me.