The Rest Is History 8. The Echo of a Coffee House
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Dec 7, 2020 The impact of social media on society is compared to historical innovations, like the printing press. The conversation ties Martin Luther’s influence during the Reformation to today’s culture wars and cancel culture. Ancient practices of ostracism in Athens mirror modern cancel culture. Humorous insights into future food choices, such as vegetarianism, highlight shifting societal values. The discussion also touches on evolving attitudes toward homosexuality since its decriminalization, emphasizing how societal norms transform over time.
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Reformation Parallels
- The Reformation, particularly Luther's use of the printing press, mirrors modern social media's divisive impact.
- Luther's prolific pamphlet output, dominating German presses, amplified his message like today's influencers.
Luther and Müntzer's Flame War
- Luther's aggressive, scatological writings sparked similar responses, escalating the Reformation's culture war.
- Thomas Müntzer's attacks on Luther illustrate this escalating exchange of insults, mirroring online flame wars.
Exposure Fuels Outrage
- Social media exposes us to opposing viewpoints, fueling conflict and outrage.
- Unlike the past, we now actively seek out opposing views, amplifying disagreement through retweets and comments.