Ask A Genius 678: Absence of Metanarrative
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen and Rick Rosner
Publication (Outlet/Website): Ask A Genius
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2022/01/12
[Recording Start]
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Do you believe the absence of overarching narratives is enabling the rise of political and social demagogues?
Rick Rosner: Yes, I strongly believe that. In America, as I’ve repeatedly observed, the Republican Party has found it easier to influence less informed individuals. This strategy has led them into a corner where their constituency largely consists of less educated individuals and a significant number of disreputable figures. While not every Republican national officeholder is unprincipled, it is noticeably easier to identify numerous unethical Republicans than Democrats. Generally, Democrats are perceived as ineffectual, whereas Republicans are seen as Machiavellian, adept at demagoguery, and unconcerned with democracy or the populace’s welfare, yet they are undeniably effective.
The erosion of various societal controls and institutions that traditionally encouraged responsible behavior has led to the empowerment of uninformed and belligerent individuals. These people are often emboldened by media outlets that cater to their biases, rather than promoting common decency. Within the evangelical community in America, for instance, there are undoubtedly many who remain decent and are troubled by the direction of the movement. However, mainstream evangelical Christianity in the U.S. has become dominated by objectionable figures. Leaders like Franklin Graham are prime examples of this trend, often opposing progressive measures like gun control and voting rights under the guise of adhering to their core principles. In reality, many of these leaders promote white nationalism and encourage their followers to adopt intolerant and misinformed viewpoints.
Reflecting on my upbringing in Boulder, which had a strong sense of community, I contrast this with my experiences in Albuquerque, where there seemed to be a lack of community cohesion. This phenomenon isn’t limited to Albuquerque; it’s prevalent in many large, spread-out cities across the U.S., where people are disconnected from their neighbors and lack social cohesion. This absence of community bonds leads to less emphasis on mutual care and responsibility, providing a fertile ground for the rise of divisive and manipulative figures in society.
[Recording End]
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