The Thrill of Political Hating

[Valin]

NY Times:

Arthur C. Brooks

June 8 2015

 

THE 2016 presidential race is already upon us. Do you find that prospect exciting or exhausting? If you chose the latter, I’m willing to wager it’s in part because of the destructive rhetoric that threatens to accompany the election. At least half of American adults felt that the last presidential campaign was too negative.

 

The conventional approach is to blame the politicians and tacticians for this dreaded odium politicum. But we citizens need to look inward a little. Whether or not we want to admit it, political hate is a demand-driven phenomenon. We are the ones creating a big market for it.

 

Political hate generally appears in one of three basic forms.

 

(Snip)

 

If you agree with the Dalai Lama and Jefferson, you can fight back this election season. Declare your independence by not consuming, celebrating or sharing the overheated outrage and negative punditry — even if it comes from those with whom you agree. Avoid indulging in snarky, contemptuous dismissals of Americans on the other side. And always own up to your views.

 

On the other hand, if you disagree, go ahead and leave a comment under an assumed name.

 

 

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Memo To Self!