The Shift from Reason to Emotion in Public Discourse

Contemporary public discourse increasingly prioritizes personal feelings over objective reasoning, a trend highlighted by phrases like 'my truth' and 'my lived experience.' These expressions suggest that subjective feelings carry the same weight as factual information, making them difficult to challenge without appearing disrespectful. This transformation reflects a cultural shift where emotional states are deemed paramount, undermining open dialogue and critical thinking. Lucinda Holdforth argues that this focus on emotional authenticity can lead to dangerous outcomes, as it creates a barrier to rational discourse and communal understanding.