The folks at Axios raised a few eyebrows this week with a report, follwed up with a behind the scenes look at the report, essentially telling us to calm down about what’s happening in U.S. politics. Those of us alarmed are living in a reality distortion bubble according to Axios. The country isn’t as divided as we’ve been decieved into thinking it is.
If you ask me the only bubble is the one in the Axios editorial suite.
Look, I get it. Yes, there are millions of Americans too busy to be anywhere close to up to speed on what’s going on in this country politically, legally, and socially. But that misses the point and also gives lie to what passes for current day media’s business model. Also the historical one. If it bleeds it has always led and the country could use a tourniquet about now. Missing that story misses all points entirely.
There are millions who are paying attention, landing on either side of whatever passes for fences these days. If there weren’t, the media bubble (of which Axios is a part of) wouldn’t have much of an audience, or at least wouldn’t have enough worth advertisting on.
Those pushing to turn the clock back and those pushing to keep it moving forward both count on those millions too busy with the everyday to pay attention everyday. Assigning those paying attention to “a fringe view,” side swipes at what’s been happening and what’s going to happen in the next seven months and beyond. It’s also at odds with broad concepts like political science, history, and just plain old math.
I’m not disagreeing with some of the facts and data laid out in these articles. I’m disagreeing with the head in the sand conclusions.
You can find more of my writings on a variety of topics on Medium at this link, including in the publications Ellemeno and Rome.
Life on the Wicked Stage: Act 3 