Stream of Conscience - Societal Change: The Overton Window

[@rodline9027]

Your thoughts are interesting and I enjoy hearing your perspective. I have to disagree about much of what you said about kids in school. From both a parent and educators perspective Children need boundaries and structure. That is NOT to say physical punishment, that is never acceptable. Yes, children need room to explore and be themselves. But setting boundaries helps children to grow,learn and to ultimately be well rounded humans. Thanks again for your thoughts and arguments, for me they are very valuable to hear.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

I completely see this perspective and I didn’t intend to imply that we, as adults, shouldn’t establish boundaries with children. I was more leaning on the fact that we, as adults, understand that the human brain isn’t fully developed until around the age of 25. So, we as adults, should often lower our expectations, not our boundaries, of children. Maybe they shouldn’t be in the classroom all day focusing on “testable” education. Perhaps, we shouldn’t be quick to punish a young student who’s failing to “pay attention to the lesson”. I think that if we are noting children are losing focus, that’s a great opportunity to introduce breaks. Whether it’s get up from your desk and dance or something else short in duration, that’s up to the teacher. Thanks for watching the video and commenting. I like reading what you guys think. I always end up learning someone else’s perspectives when y’all comment. It keeps me thinking, too! Anyways, have a good one!

[@rodline9027]

Brief Brain Snacks Thanks so much for taking the time to respond.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Formerly Rod Line no need to thank me. I enjoy reading what yall have to say.

[@TheDanEdwards]

A discussion of American politics is not going to be touching on the heart of what makes America the society it is if religion is left out of the discussion. The role of fundamentalist Christianity in forming American views about the nation and the people has been very strong. And of course the tough issue with such religions is their persistence and resistance to change.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Dan Edwards you’re right. Religion has been integral since America’s founding. Despite proclaiming secularism. I think we can discuss many aspects of political issues without an overt discussion centered around religion. Although, it’s something worthy of discussion in and of itself. I say we don’t need an overt discussion of religion when mentioning any political issue because I believe the religion is used as a tool in support of a view, but it’s not always where the view originates. I don’t believe that religion is where the idea against homosexuality originated, but it’s certainly used as a tool to support homophobia. Religion is used a tool in opposition to abortion, but religion didn’t birth this opposition into being. In fact, if we go with Christianity, then the “word of God” is either in support of the practice, or ambiguous at best. Again, I do think that the role of religious fundamentalism in forming US views and nationalism is worthy of a conversation in and of itself.

[@cfree71]

The Overton window in the US is so far to the right that the Democratic Party would be considered conservative in many other countries (and the Republicans are openly fascist). Corporate control over the media (which I think should be outlawed) helps keep it slanted this way because corporations are inherently right-wing entities and the American people have ceded control of our lives over to them (willingly). You’re right too that the majority of the American public support progressive policies - our elected officials don’t give a fuck about what we want and that’s the problem (some of the newer progressive people elected are trying to, but the allure of money and corruption is strong as hell). Great talk and I hate I wasn’t able to catch it live.

[@rodline9027]

You would rather have state run media?

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Christopher Freeman sorry you missed the discussion live, but glad you were able to catch it. In the US we have prioritized a feeling of security (not actual security) over anything else and this has led to an acceptance of authoritarianism in some respect. Corruption and politics go hand in hand (and this idea is in its own way an acceptance of that corruption). I hope you’ll catch the next livestream. You have so many great things to say!

[@AlefeLucas]

Wait, so corporate control over media is an extreme thing and state-run media is normal?

[@cfree71]

@@AlefeLucas Since corporate media in the US is pretty much a mouthpiece for government narratives, I’d say they were one and the same in this country.

[@AlefeLucas]

@@cfree71 and state-run media wouldn't be a mouthpiece for the government even more?

[@cfree71]

Love the anti-fascist poster in the background by the way 😉

[@petedawg]

People will vote against their financial interests. George Lakoff showed that we vote our morals, not our pocketbooks.

[@BriefBrainSnacks]

Peter Maurer what if one’s morals include their financial interests?

[@petedawg]

Then in that case they would vote for their morals, which are inclusive of money :)

[@AlefeLucas]

@@BriefBrainSnacks then in that case this one is utilitarian or doesn't have morals.