Before and After the Storm or: Make America Good Again
August 30, 2017·0 comments·narrative
America's political breakdown isn't the result of an unusually influential leader or a sudden ideological shift. It's a historical pattern, the pendulum swinging between liberty and equality, playing out at unprecedented speed. The internet replaced geographically isolated communities with open social networks that force everyone into the same game, and speed has turned normal historical tensions into manufactured existential crises where there is no sitting out and no compromise.
• Communities once offered isolation that protected diversity of belief. You didn't have to engage with radically different worldviews because you could stay within your own town, church, or family. Local politics remained local. The structures were stable and often vile, but they didn't require constant ideological combat.
• The internet made isolation impossible. Twitter and Facebook became the new commons, displacing churches, town halls, and neighbors as the primary shapers of cultural values. Even those who don't use social media can't escape its influence on media, politics, and institutions. There is no community to retreat to anymore.
• Rapid change has accelerated from centuries to months. It took 396 years to decriminalize homosexuality, 12 years to legalize marriage equality, and 2 years to establish dozens of gender classifications. Social values emerge and calcify almost daily. This velocity creates the illusion of crisis.
• Both political sides now manufacture existential threats to maintain engagement. The right defends imaginary constructs like "white culture" and Confederate monuments as if their survival depends on it. The left weaponizes language of systemic oppression to dismiss opposing arguments outright. Neither crisis is real, but both feel that way.
• The only way out requires giving up the game entirely. History suggests that escape from zero-sum competition happens through sacrifice, not victory. Choosing collaboration when it's sub-optimal. Laying down the right to be right. But this only works if enough people do it together.
The Why of Epsilon Theory
- Make more informed decisions as an investor and citizen.
- See through the nudges of Big Politics and Big Media.
- Become a better consumer of news.
- Maintain your autonomy of mind in a swarm of narratives.
- Join a community of more than 100,000 truth-seekers.
Unlock instant access to this and hundreds of other evergreen essays that explore the world of narrative through hard science and human wisdom.
Looking for Deeper Insights?
Unlock exclusive market intelligence, trade ideas, and member-only events tailored for investment professionals and active investors with Perscient Pro.
VISIT PRO
DISCLOSURES
This commentary is being provided to you as general information only and should not be taken as investment advice. The opinions expressed in these materials represent the personal views of the author(s). It is not investment research or a research recommendation, as it does not constitute substantive research or analysis. Any action that you take as a result of information contained in this document is ultimately your responsibility. Epsilon Theory will not accept liability for any loss or damage, including without limitation to any loss of profit, which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. Consult your investment advisor before making any investment decisions. It must be noted, that no one can accurately predict the future of the market with certainty or guarantee future investment performance. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Statements in this communication are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and other views expressed herein are as of the date of this publication. Actual future results or occurrences may differ significantly from those anticipated in any forward-looking statements, and there is no guarantee that any predictions will come to pass. The views expressed herein are subject to change at any time, due to numerous market and other factors. Epsilon Theory disclaims any obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or views expressed herein. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of any offer to buy any securities. This commentary has been prepared without regard to the individual financial circumstances and objectives of persons who receive it. Epsilon Theory recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a financial advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.
