Episode 110 - Why Political Outrage Has Become the Drug of the American Masses
The political killings have started in Portland. So maybe it’s time we ask if it’s really good for our personal wellbeing to align ourselves with Red or Blue.
Last year a self-described liberal named Michael Reinoehl took his gun to a Black Lives Matter protest. That evening, a caravan of conservative Trump supporters rolled through the streets spraying paintballs and mace into the crowds. So Michael Reinhoehl hid behind a parking alcove and waited for some of the conservatives to walk past. Then Michael pulled his gun.
Today, Todd and Joe will be launching a three-part discussion about political parties, moral outrage, and the violent state of politics in Portland. Our first big myth is pretty simple: Why are people so damn angry? Is it the fault of the politicians? Is this evidence of our tribal human nature finally tainting the great experiment known as democracy?
Or is it something more sinister? Something to do with the vast profit media companies are harvesting, every day, from our sense of moral outrage…?
History Links:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/13/us/michael-reinoehl-antifa-portland-shooting.html
Science Links:
https://coolinfographics.com/news/2022/1/18/media-bias-chart-2022
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moral_foundations_theory#Critiques_and_competing_theories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O2X5kj_-Kk
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/09/political-party-morals/597517/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-outrage-be-a-good-thing/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210312121317.htm