This article, Culture of Ridicule Paved the way for Trump, takes another tack when explaining the rise of Trump. It blames the culture of ridicule spawned by comedy greats such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert for the rise of Trump. It is unfortunate that most political discourse in our country today seems to rely solely on ridiculing the opposition. Ad hominem attacks rule the day, and if you don't agree with my stance, then you must be some kind of subnormal idiot only deserving to serve as the butt of jokes.
Obviously, I wasn't there, and video evidence seems to be lacking, but I suspect that's not the way politics were argued back in the Founders' days. I think when Adams disagreed with Jefferson, he didn't make fun of the latter's hairdo. Nor did he use cheap shots such as dredging up his quaint habit of bedding his household slaves. Any attack was on the position, and not on the man holding it. Sure, exceptions can be found. They always can. But they remained exceptions. They never became the norm.
When did it become acceptable to ignore a position, a position, mind you, that could have lasting effects on our country, for good or ill, and instead focus on attacking the person or the group holding that position with lies, ridicule, half-truths or all of the above?
We now have a society that will be stuck with one of two candidates who are both terribly flawed and, unlike some great statesmen of the past, wholly unaware of their flaws. It's become a reality show, and I am honestly surprised there isn't a Kardashian on the ballot this election cycle.
Is it funny? Hell, yes! In a very, very frightening way. One of those where you laugh uncontrollably as you back away, looking for the exit you hope is right behind you.
What do you think?
