I think the problem is that politics has been moving further away from the centre on both sides for some time.Although we talk about left and right, I’m not really sure that’s truly the best description anymore.i think the best description is Globalisation v individualisation/nationalism.
Those in favour of globalisation have sought to establish that there are no differences between groups, between the sexes, between cultures, between nationalities. Individual strengths should not be rewarded and everyone should pay for individual weaknesses. Those who follow this ideology have sought to silence those who point out the inherent flaws in this system. The important thing is everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.Social media especially, has sought to establish a “group think”. This ideology’s adherents consider calling people “weird”, saying “you’re on your own” is the worst punishment. Rather ironically, many of it’s adherents often think of themselves as individuals (they, deep down can see the fundamental flaws of this ideology and often seek superficial “self expression” through the way they look (although ironically often just looking the same as everyone else in that position).
Then there are the nationalists/individualists who recognise that there are fundamental differences between different groups of people and between individuals. They buck against an ideology that seeks to say we are all the same. For them, clearly identifiable groups exist, each with different attributes and weaknesses There are the strong and weak, the winners and the losers. We must take individual responsibility for own actions. The irony in this group is that they generalise about groups and recognise the human need to be together and often form groups/tribes of similar people.
Neither group is wholly right or wrong. The natural place is somewhere in the middle. Yet social media is expert into forcing people to choose a side, people become charactures of these ideologies, American politics has long existed at these prepackaged poles. Criticise the transgender ideology on a predominantly American group and it’s not long before someone will come along a criticise your Christian beliefs and anti abortion views. Confusion then ensues when you point out you’re pro- choice and not Christian.
People are being increasingly manipulated into binary thought, extremism on both sides is becoming normal. Surrounded by the echo chamber of social media people don’t recognise their own views as extremist, but see people who don’t think the same way as them and their echo chamber as extremists. This is because social media has created the false impression that their views are the norm.
We are now, more than ever, stuck in our caves watching shadows on the wall 2,500 years on from Plato we seem to be going backwards not forwards.