Journalist Ryan Zickgraf discusses the end of 'hyperpolitics' and the exhaustion of people with the politicisation of everything. Culture wars are as hot as ever and 'escape' venues are more politicised. Is history over?
The era of hyper politics is transitioning into a period of disengagement and withdrawal from traditional political arenas.
A trend towards libertarianism is observed in both the left and right, fueling polarization and a focus on symbolic changes rather than substantive policy changes.
The current political climate is marked by a lack of substance and meaningful engagement, with politics detached from policy and cultural wars dominating the discourse.
Deep dives
The Era of Hyper Politics is Fading
The podcast episode discusses the declining interest and engagement in hyper politics, which was characterized by intense political activism and polarization. The episode highlights that the energy and attention that once fueled hyper politics seems to be diminishing, with people disengaging and retreating into personal or local concerns. The speaker observes that the focus on national politics has overshadowed important local issues, leading to a disconnect between political action and real policy changes. Additionally, the podcast explores the role of exhaustion, social decline, and the impact of online culture in shaping the current state of politics. Overall, it suggests that the era of hyper politics is transitioning into a period of disengagement and withdrawal from traditional political arenas.
A Shift Towards Libertarianism
The podcast episode highlights a trend towards libertarianism in both the left and the right. The speakers note that many liberals have embraced a cultural libertarianism, advocating for the decriminalization of drugs, sex work, and the dismantling of traditional institutions. On the other hand, conservatives have shown a libertarian leaning towards economic issues, often prioritizing individual freedoms over collective action. The podcast also explores how this libertarianism manifests in the cultural and political battles happening today, fueling polarization and a focus on symbolic changes rather than substantive policy changes.
The Role of Social Decline and Technology
The podcast episode emphasizes the impact of social decline and technology on the current political landscape. It suggests that the accelerated social decline experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to disengagement from traditional politics. The speakers discuss how technology, particularly social media, has transformed the way people engage with politics, allowing for more adversarial and performative behavior. They note that the online world has increasingly shaped real-world interactions, leading to a breakdown in social interactions and an intensification of cultural warfare. The speakers also highlight the role of technology in enabling withdrawal and escape from political and societal challenges.
The Politics of Nothing
The podcast episode delves into the concept of the 'politics of nothing,' suggesting that the current political climate is marked by a lack of substance and meaningful engagement. The speakers discuss how politics has become detached from policy and how cultural wars and sensationalism dominate the discourse. They explore how the media's focus on sensational and divisive topics contributes to a cycle of outrage and disengagement from real political issues. The speakers also offer insights into the potential consequences of this 'politics of nothing,' including a loss of faith in the political establishment and a growing sense of frustration and exhaustion among the public.
Future Outlook and Challenges
The podcast episode reflects on the future of politics and the challenges ahead. The speakers analyze the impact of crying wolf and the erosion of trust in political discourse. They explore potential paths for political engagement, such as local and state-level politics, which still hold the potential for meaningful policy changes. The speakers highlight the need for a deeper understanding of the societal changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of social decline and technological advancements. Overall, the podcast raises questions about the direction politics is taking and emphasizes the importance of addressing real issues and seeking substantive solutions to societal challenges.
On the end of politics.
Is the craziness of the past years, since 2016, ebbing away? Is the establishment back in charge? Journalist Ryan Zickgraf joins us to argue that, yes, the period of 'hyperpolitics' has passed.
Trump has lost his edge, BLM has imploded, boring Biden rules, the Proud Boys are nowhere to be seen. Fewer protests, fewer small campaign donations, fewer news articles shared.
What is the implication of this? It seems that people are exhausted by the politicisation of everything. The upsurge in engagement in formal politics may be dwindling. But the culture wars are as hot as ever. And the venues for 'escape' from politics are more politicised than ever.
Accelerated social decline means we aren't exactly going back to the 1990s, but is history over all over again?
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