On the problem with Millenials, Trolls, and Online Activism Of All Shades.

[gonzo21]

I was reading the other day some reviews of the X-Files finale, and most of the reviewers were extremely negative about it. But in the comment sections, there was a split. But many (most?) of the people who enjoyed it followed the same basic response pattern

Comments

[gonzo21]

I can certainly understand the comfort of black and white thinking. It provides a very good security blanket in an uncertain world. And I know I'm guilty of doing the same myself at times. (Usually with regards my internal self-beliefs.) But yeah, I'm not sure what it will take...

I think the Great War and the Second World War did a lot to bring home to Europeans just how shades-of-gray the world was. The shocks those left on the psyche. But America had the Civil War, and that was a truly terrible thing. So I don't know.

Remember to check under your bed too though. I hear those Commies like to hang out down there.

[wantedonvoyage]

But the American Civil War occurred in the magical distant past of back-in-the-day and so therefore doesn't count.

Yes and the brand of history we learn increasingly gives a particular narrative which suits the status quo.

[gonzo21]

Is it perceived as something 'cool' too? The few times I've encountered Americans talking about the civil war, it's always been in the context of it just being a series of cool and interesting battles, with... less of an emphasis on the human suffering.

Which I suppose is that thing that War has always been the business of america. Lots of good profits to be made in war.