The Human Need for Tangibility in a Polarized World
New episodes and a message about the a coup going on within the government right now
A Message to the Outrage Overload Family
I’ve been thinking a lot about the moment we’re in—what it means for democracy, for the country, and for the work we do together on this podcast. Like many of you, I’m struggling with anger, fear, and a deep sense of urgency. Reports from multiple sources confirm that we are seeing an unprecedented power grab within the government—one that threatens constitutional constraints and undermines the rule of law (see references below).
It’s hard not to feel like we’re slipping—or have already slipped—into autocracy. And if that’s true, how do we continue talking about polarization, bridge-building, and lowering the temperature without ignoring the gravity of what’s happening, or i.e. while Rome burns? How do we express the outrage that is warranted while still holding onto the values of dialogue and persuasion?
I don’t have easy answers, but I do know this: Staying silent isn’t an option. And neither is giving in to pure despair. Many Americans—our neighbors, friends, and even family—simply don’t see things the same way. Some don’t know what’s happening. Others see the alarm as overstated, or even as proof that they should double down, viewing the administration’s actions as “good policy” or “necessary reform”. If we care about democracy, about the constitution, about the rule of law, about the future, then we have to communicate in ways that are not just cathartic for us but persuasive to those who might still be reached.
This is not about being neutral or passive. It’s about threading the needle—holding onto our principles, refusing to accept what’s happening, standing up for democratic values but doing so in ways that are strategic and effective, rather than reactive or self-defeating. I invite you to join me in reflecting on these complex emotions and in exploring how we can maintain our bridge-building efforts even in times of crisis. Let’s continue to share our insights, strategies, and support, reaffirming that while we might be deeply critical of certain developments, our shared commitment to democratic principles and open dialogue remains unwavering.
I appreciate all of you—your insights, your commitment, your willingness to engage with difficult ideas. We’re in this together.
Stay strong,
David
In a digital landscape dominated by social media outrage and algorithmic polarization, the resurgence of analog experiences offers a striking counterpoint. The rise of vinyl records, bookstores, and film photography isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a rejection of the ephemeral and often manipulative nature of digital interactions. In a world where political discourse is increasingly shaped by outrage-inducing content, returning to the tangible provides a necessary grounding.
Chris Cillizza recently highlighted how outrage has become the currency of political media, particularly in the coverage of Donald Trump. He describes how a “cottage industry” of outrage porn has emerged, where every action—real or imagined—becomes a catalyst for manufactured fury. This endless cycle of outrage leaves audiences exhausted, distorting the ability to differentiate between meaningful political developments and trivial distractions. It’s a dynamic that fuels the same polarization many claim to oppose.
This is precisely where the analog revival offers an important lesson. Tangible experiences—listening to a vinyl record, reading a physical book, or developing film photography—demand patience and presence. They create space for reflection in a way that digital platforms, designed for engagement and outrage, do not. When everything happens at the speed of a retweet, it’s easy to get swept up in the latest scandal, whether it’s a real constitutional crisis or a fabricated controversy over renaming the Gulf of Mexico. But when you’re physically engaged with something—flipping through records, writing in a notebook, or even having face-to-face conversations—the slower pace allows for deeper thinking and less impulsive reactions.
The problem Cillizza identifies—where everything becomes a ‘mountain’ and nothing a ‘molehill’—mirrors the way digital technology has flattened our perception of significance. A news feed presents a constitutional crisis and a celebrity feud with the same urgency. In contrast, the analog world provides natural distinctions. A book has weight; an album demands time to listen through. These physical constraints, once seen as inefficiencies to be solved by digital technology, now stand as antidotes to the infinite scroll of outrage.
Furthermore, the return to analog is inherently social in a way that digital engagement often isn’t. In the heyday of vinyl, getting a new album was an event—you invited friends over, passed around the liner notes, and experienced the music together. Compare that to streaming, where music has become another background element in our algorithm-curated lives. Similarly, bookstores foster community in a way that Amazon’s one-click checkout never will. This social element is crucial in an era of polarization; face-to-face conversations in physical spaces foster nuance and empathy, counteracting the divisiveness and hot-takes that dominate digital spaces.
The resurgence of analog is a subtle but powerful rejection of the attention economy’s most toxic elements. It’s a recognition that not all progress is digital, and not all technological advancements serve our well-being. As the political and media landscape continues to be shaped by outrage, finding ways to reintroduce tangibility into our lives isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about reclaiming the ability to engage with the world on our own terms, with thoughtfulness rather than reflexive anger.
Listen to My Conversation with David Sax
For a deeper dive into this topic, tune into my interview with David Sax, author of The Revenge of Analog. In our discussion, we explore why analog experiences are making a comeback, how they counteract digital overload, and what this means for our increasingly polarized world. Don’t miss this insightful conversation!
New This Week in Outrage Episode!
This episode takes a more serious turn as we talk about recent events surrounding Elon Musk seizing control of various government systems and related issues of presidential power and checks and balances: Autocracy in America
References:
Elon Musk Is Running the Twitter Playbook on the Federal Government (Wired)
Musk aides lock Office of Personnel Management workers out of computer systems (Reuters)
Elon Musk’s Team Now Has Access to Treasury’s Payments System (New York Times)
Musk's team given access to U.S. government payment system (Reuters)
Senior US Treasury official to exit after rift with Musk allies (Reuters)
How an arcane Treasury Department office became ground zero in the war over federal spending (CNN)
We do not know what exactly Elon Musk is doing to the federal government (CNN)
The Network State Coup is Happening Right Now (Gil Duran - The Nerd Reich)
DOJ seeks list of potentially thousands of FBI employees who worked on Jan. 6 cases (ABC News)
The Real Reason Trump’s Purge of Career DOJ Officials Should Alarm You (Just Security)
Trump makes moves to expand his power, sparking chaos and a possible constitutional crisis (AP)