Ok, so I admit it. I am a NPR listener. I have been listening for years, and I find that the things they talk about are interesting. Yes, I know that there is a definite slant, but at least they aren't as shrill as Rush or Hannity. I can't stand those guys.
I heard this story talked about today (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92292747). I wonder what you think.
The premise is that communities have a basic appeal to people of a certain demographic profile. Liberal democrats will be attracted to certain communities, while conservative republicans will be attracted to others. Is this true in your experience? If so, why do you think this is? I have been told that until very recently this area was strongly Democrat-leaning. Now it is very much Republican. I wonder what fomented the change...
I believe that this kind of separation is not healthy. People need to test their ideas in the crucible of opposition in order to purify and strengthen them. Without conversation about different issues with people with different ideas, what chance is there for growth?
2 comments :
Bill,
Nice blog redesign. It looks great! I am currently reading Empire by Orson Scott Card. In light of your comments, you might find it interesting!
Do you think such a separation along party lines is inevitable in our society? I hope not.
Well, I guess it depends on what you mean by separation... Physical of ideological. I don't want to split hairs, but I think the distinction is important.
I think that there have always been separations and segregations of people - both physically and in other ways - due to a number of reasons. These distinctions have historically come because of economic and class reasons. Now (according to the article) people are segregating into different areas based on ideological lines.
I wonder about the inevitability also. I don't know. I (also) hope not. I think that there is a synergy that exists only when there are different ideas. People become more powerful in the crucible of opposition, which also purges and purifies ideals.
On the other hand, people like to seek those that support them. There is a comfort to be found in like-minded people and conversations.
Post a Comment