Views from Crestmont Drive

The most alarming thing I’ve learned in the past decade is how so many ordinary people are not smart, not well-educated, are susceptible to political ideology and religious zealotry, and are driven by ideology and zealotry to try to take down those who are smart and well-educated.

I have to assume this has always been true — no reason to think otherwise — but with the advent of social media it’s become increasingly evident. Everyone can spout off their views, no matter how nonsensical, and make them plain to the world. For 30 years (from my 20s to my 50s) I lived in what would now be called a bubble at work and socially among other smart, well-informed people, and did not realize the true situation. It was probably better in the old days (!) when you conversed politely with family and friends and never discussed, or knew about, their private opinions (about politics or religion, as the advice went).

At the same time, that social media has brought birds of a feather closer together is doing disastrous things to our (in the US at least) politics.

Heather Cox Richardson, August 10, 2023

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