Zac Gershberg, a professor of journalism and media studies, and Sean Illing, host of Vox Conversations, discuss their book on the complexities of democracy. They explore the distinction between democracy and liberal democracy, emphasizing how media technology shapes these systems. Notably, they examine the historical impact of television and the current influence of social media, including the dangers of algorithmic manipulation. The conversation also touches on the importance of active citizen engagement and the paradoxes inherent in maintaining democratic ideals.
Democracy and liberal democracy are distinct concepts, with the former focused on majority rule and the latter emphasizing minority rights.
The current media landscape, dominated by social media and cable news, both nurtures democratic engagement and poses threats to its liberal foundations.
Historical concerns about democracy, exemplified by Socrates' execution, indicate that modern democracies face perennial challenges requiring vigilant citizen engagement.
Deep dives
The Relationship Between Democracy and Liberalism
Democracy and liberal democracy, while often used interchangeably, represent distinct concepts. Democracy is defined by majority rule and public participation, whereas liberal democracy combines democracy with protections for minority rights. There is no inherent guarantee that a democratic system will uphold liberal principles, highlighting the risk of democratic systems devolving into authoritarianism. This distinction is fundamental to understanding the current political landscape, where the media environment can heavily influence the direction democracy takes.
The Impact of Media on Democratic Structures
The book argues that every democracy is fundamentally influenced by the dominant media technologies of its time. In the context of contemporary social media and cable news, these platforms both support democratic engagement and threaten its liberal foundations. The authors explore how today's communications environment exacerbates polarization and allows for the rise of anti-democratic sentiments within society. They emphasize that recognizing the relationship between media and democracy is crucial for understanding current political dynamics and considering future reforms.
Historical Perspectives on Democracy
The authors draw connections between ancient Athenian democracy and contemporary democratic practices, noting historical anxieties regarding democracy that persist in modern times. They reference Socrates' execution as a pivotal moment that reflects ongoing concerns about freedom of expression and participation in democratic discourse. This historical analysis serves to illustrate that the challenges faced by democracies today are not new, and understanding these patterns can inform current debates. Ultimately, they argue that democracy has always required continual vigilance and engagement from its citizens.
Challenges and Opportunities for Future Democracy
The existence of free expression within democratic societies allows for both potential improvements and risks of destruction. The authors highlight the paradox of democracy, which offers opportunities for progress but also creates vulnerabilities to anti-democratic forces. They suggest that as the age of liberal democracy evolves, citizens must be aware of the stakes involved in their participation. Engaging in the democratic process diligently is essential, as the future of democracy depends on how individuals respond to these challenges.
The Existential Struggle of Democracy
Democracy is portrayed as an existential challenge where its viability depends heavily on the active engagement of citizens. The authors assert that democracy must be continuously re-achieved by individuals making thoughtful choices in the face of uncertainty. This struggle is not only a burden but can also be viewed as an opportunity for meaningful engagement and change. By situating democracy within this existential framework, the authors encourage a proactive approach to citizenship, underscoring that the ongoing effort to uphold democratic values is paramount for its survival.
From July 11, 2022: We often use the terms democracy and liberal democracy interchangeably, but they're not the same thing. Democracy means majority rule and public participation. Liberal democracy means democracy plus minority rights. There's no guarantee that democracy will be liberal. And in fact, some of the same things that enable democracy can also undermine its liberal commitments.
Zac Gershberg, a professor of journalism and media studies at Idaho State University and Sean Illing, the host of the Vox Conversations podcast, have recently released a new book, The Paradox of Democracy: Free Speech, Open Media, and Perilous Persuasion.
In the book, they argue that every democracy is fundamentally shaped by the dominant media technology of its time. And that the current landscape of social media and cable news fuels our democracy, but also pushes it in an illiberal authoritarian direction. Alan Rozenshtein spoke with Zac and Sean about how American democracy got to this point, how the present compares to the past, and what, if anything, can be done to put liberal democracy on firmer footing.
