General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: The Rise of Donald Trump is a big flashing neon sign that something is very wrong in this country [View all]loyalsister
(13,390 posts)although, it is probably no coincidence that the people who grew up in the Reagan years. Have been gaining political power as they are now the dominant professional leadership and gaining in numbers in government.
I think that the way people seem to take delight in anger, conflict, and even cruelty. This part worries me most, because the left is in on it. How many times did we hear people say we need our own FOX news? Thus, MSNC adopts programming which also glorifies contentious interactions.
Even liberals use the violent language to describe verbal arguments and victories. Opposition to caring about people when they find things offensive comes from both sides as Donald Trumps haters are enabled by liberal rejection of civil language and behavior.
I think this is more cultural than political. Many people are just taking sides with alternative versions of angry rhetoric which is many times directed at the same people.
Information and entertainment media have tapped into it and roped us all in. They reinforce the enjoyment of conflict and legitimization of the behaviors that come with it. It makes money and people feel some sense of vindication when celebrities and pundits they consider credible agree with them.
I have no idea how to return to a civil society, but I hope it's possible.