[api]

Yeah, I did delete it. I’m wary of talking about politics online, especially making any point that directly criticizes either the far left or far right. I’ve had run ins with unhinged obsessives from both sides.

Criticizing both sides won’t save you. Recently I’ve noticed even greater ire toward those who dare depart from the duality, either by arguing that the old “middle” was not as broken as people think or by adopting an entirely different view.

I agree with most of this, and context collapse is a great point I did not bring up. I’d also add that these nutty ideas tend to be context collapse friendly. Their arguments can be compressed down to slogans and memes and often rely on no context besides invoking a common grievance. Other ideas, including those that might actually help address some grievances, require essays and context to explain. The social platforms tend to push low depth populism.