I’ve been listening to the news lately, and what’s most struck me is that we (as a society) are only listening to the most extreme statements on any issue. What this means is that we never even hear calm rational people. Problems and controversy can be created by anyone willing to jump up and down and lie in an entertaining way.
In the US, this has created many false problems out of thin air. Many people believe there is a ‘debate’ about evolution. People are refusing to vaccinate their children (which is killing people). A speech to encourage kids to stay in school has turned into a national controversy.
Worse, real problems that need to be addressed simply can’t even be discussed in ways likely to lead to workable solutions. Major issues that come to mind include the Iraq War, global climate change, health care reform. In each of these cases, small groups that shout loudly enough can freeze the rest of us into near inaction (perhaps symbolic gestures that solve nothing).
I think that solving this could move our society forward a long ways. Sadly, I don’t think there are any simple solutions.