It is a commonplace to blame the Internet in general, and the Blogosphere in particular, for the current polarization of public opinion. I think that it’s quite correct as well. But I am almost certain that this extremism is a phase, an inevitable introductory experience. I expect that it will wear off, at least among more intelligent Internauts.

The novelty, of course, is the Web’s triumph over personal geography. We are no longer bound by the chances of locality — of knowing only those people who literally cross our paths (and, in order for us to get to know them, cross our paths again and again). Everyone with Internet access is a global citizen, well-prepared to add his or her weight to whatever cause appeals. For most people — for most Americans, especially — this contact with sympathetic souls scattered across the globe, with like-minded new acquaintances so far-flung that there can be no thought of meeting each and every one of them, has been a kind of Christmas-morning treat, with no end of presents to open. A useful comparison to bear in mind, I trow! Given that even the most amply-benefacted children are rarely at their most serene while they’re still surrounded by clouds of shredded gift wrap. There is something about getting a lot of what you want that is naturally discontenting.

And for many Americans, it is only with access to the Internet that meaningful discussion of personal opinions has become possible — imaginable, even. People formerly discouraged by being shouted down or wittily finessed by glib and clever relatives and co-workers now have access to venues in which what they have to say will be heard afresh, and, initially at least, without interruption. This alone may explain the rather pungent pong of revenge that marks so many ill-tempered comments. Finally, everybody gets to call everybody else an asshole, to the sound of at least two other hands clapping.

Here, I’m afraid, I must mention the opposition to abortion, which, for all its rhetorical flourishing of “pro-life,” is nothing but a campaign against a certain medical procedure. Antiabortionism is only the flagship of a global reaction against social change, but its anti-ness, firmly entrenched at the Internet’s first light, has infected almost everyone who wants to speak up on any subject with self-righteousness. We are not them. This is what I think will pass. The flame of reaction burns very brightly, but never for very long; it is exceptionally wearying. Eventually, I am sure, the idea of regarding the elimination of a rudimentary and ill-conceived speck of potential as murder will be seen by most adults as an insult to humanity.

What I envision, then, is an Internet at which people don’t much concern themselves with people unlike themselves. This would be a prescription for the utmost provinciality if we were not so like snowflakes, each one of us for all practical purposes unlike every other. If I’ve learned anything from the delightful people whom I’ve gotten to know in nearly fifteen years of Internet life, it’s that there is no potential club of People Like Me out there awaiting my discovery. There really are no People Like Me. And this isn’t (down, Fossil!) because I’m “unusual.” If I’m aware of the fact, it’s only because I thought about it a bit. I’ve come, after much tumbling, to rather like the idea that no other person on earth is going to be a perfect fit for me. (My dear Kathleen hates coconut and loves hot weather! Where on earth are we to find common ground?) My difference is not a problem.

And I think that a lot of other people are coming to the same conclusion, just as happily.

 

Drop me a line at rjk@dailyblague.com
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