Skip to main content

Blog #4 Polarization

The rise of the “newer formats” was followed by the 2000 presidential election, so the environment was ripe for a more extreme political polarization to infect the country. It does seem like there has been a loss of mutual respect between opposing ideologies along with a reluctance to engage in civil discourse over pressing issues of the day. The word “compromise” has been forgotten by so many political pundits, and that has seemed to rub off on audiences.  When both sides are always in attack mode while simultaneously digging in their heels to promote their own agenda, it would appear unlikely that any real progress may be made. 


With that being said, I do believe that this kind of programming has engaged a greater number of people, which can be good for democracy.  The entertainment value of the shows may be what initially increased viewership, but the result is more people watching and therefore learning about current affairs.  Certainly that can be considered a positive step towards a democracy for all of the people.

Comments

  1. Steve MacekApril 11, 2017 at 3:05 PM

    Sheila, you touch on the "loss of mutual respect between opposing ideologies." that seems to prevail on these "newer formats." I think this is one of the things that turns people off to politics these days, young people especially. Why would anyone get involved in politics or participate in ideological debates if doing so meant opening oneself up to denigration, mockery and ridicule? And if, as you say, no real compromise between opposing points of view seems possible. That said, I personally think they are some issues about which compromise is impossible.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Empathy: Read It. Live It.

Scout Finch was one lucky little girl.  The wisdom bestowed upon her by Atticus surely helped her navigate through some very trying times. But Scout and her brother Jem aren’t the only people to learn from Atticus’ advice and life lessons.  Anyone who reads To Kill a Mockingbird learns the importance of one of life’s most valuable soft skills: empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings and emotions of others. My job as a high school English teacher entails working with students to become better communicators through reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  But studying and discussing literature can do so much more. It’s vital that young people today develop empathy towards others in order to combat the polarization, discrimination, and intolerance currently at play in society.  The study of literature and the lessons it imparts can help build empathy in our leaders of tomorrow. Recent studies on empathy have shown alarming results.  Fo...
2 comments
Read more

Class Comments Blog Post

I found the required books for this course really, really interesting, especially the Space of Public Opinion and Nobody.   The progression of the media’s reporting and commenting about current news has changed so much with the advent of the internet.   It seemed like everyone tuned into the nightly network news when I was a kid, but not I don’t really hear anyone talking about last night’s broadcasts.   I can say that I don’t even know the names of the 3 major networks evening broadcasters.   We’ve switched from trusting a knowledgeable news journalist or two to trusting sound bites provided by basically anyone with a Twitter account. But honestly, what will stick with me the most about the class is Hill’s book, Nobody. Hill makes it so apparent that our country has done a lousy job of caring for and providing opportunities for the most vulnerable.   It’s an overwhelming reality that has absolutely no easy solution. I only hope that our leaders and future ...
Post a Comment
Read more
Greetings Fellow PD-ers, I introduce myself to you as I begin my second class in North Central College’s MALS program. After earning my BA in English from Providence College many years ago, I spent several years working in both full-time and part-time capacities in HR, banking, and fitness while also raising my three children.  My husband’s career change brought us to Illinois from Virginia almost twelve years ago.  Once the family was settled, I attended NCC, earning a Teaching Certificate which I have put to use over the last 8 years in the English Department at West Aurora High School. Sharing my passion for literature while also helping teenagers improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills has provided much joy, satisfaction, and, at times, frustration over the course of my somewhat short career.  Grad school has been on my radar for a while, but it wasn’t until my youngest left for college last fall that I felt the time was right.  I chose the M...
Post a Comment
Read more