Why Demoralization is such a big threat to our democracy

What’s happened?

Many Americans are frustrated, overwhelmed, disgusted, and angry.  Our always-on society leaves many of us exhausted.  Trying to keep up with ever escalating demands from work, family, friends and tribal affiliations feels like a never-ending struggle. We don’t have the time, energy or inclination to fight it anymore. Better to sit back and let ourselves be passively entertained. There are certainly enough diversions to keep us occupied.

What’s the result?

Apathy – We feel powerless in making any kind of meaningful impact on the forces at work in the world. We can see the evidence in relatively low voter turnout, cynicism with politics and politicians and suspicion of all institutions—public and private.

Isolation – Americans spend an incredible amount time by ourselves, watching videos on our screens, or scanning photos, and trading pithy phrases. The art of face to face conversation in a social setting fades from our lives.

Silence – We simply accept what’s going on in the world without saying a word. What’s the point, we ask ourselves?  People begin to feel there’s no reward for honest effort, and no point in arguing with someone who won’t change their mind.

Why is Demoralization such a big threat to our Freedom of Speech?

Demoralization is a strategy and a technique used by those in power to preserve their privileges. Citizens who feel powerless and disengaged don’t bother to express themselves…at least not in public, not among their peers, or in their own community. And they don’t vote.

What can we to combat the growing threat of demoralization?

Get educated – Start by reading Neil Postman’s “Amusing Ourselves to Death.”  Written before the dominance of the Internet it foreshadows our current world where the media distorts and warps our perceptions of just about everything, undermining and trivializing public discourse. Postman’s son Andrew has updated it’s premise for our polarized world today along with specific recommendations.

Find your voice – You’ve got to express yourself in whatever way makes the most sense for you. Forget the experts…they all have an agenda that you may or may not share. You don’t need their advice.  You have to listen to yourself.

Question everything the media tells you – Author and critical thinker Douglas Rushkoff is the successor to Neil Postman (see above). He has written several books and produces videos that really help to understand how we are being manipulated by the media.  Watch the video below to see how he questions many of the assumptions we operate with as a society.