Thread by @MMBrussell

There's something bugging me in our #media narratives, but I'm not referring to the #bothsideism pitfall or the problem of normalcy bias.

Something more dangerous.

1/ It's the reductionism: presenting something complicated in a simple way, especially a way that is too simple.

2/ Reductionism in our media can be a good thing. For example, simplicity is complexity resolved.

Thing is, our media are narrative engines, we have very little of a Fourth Estate - explanatory #Journalism is rare. Preemptive journalism almost nonexistant.

3/ When reductionism is a component of narrative, a problem surfaces.

Every narrative needs a focal point, and if that narrative has to sell or influence, it requires a focal point which triggers.

4/ Reductionism as a component of narrative generates an emotional response, which increases the probability of fixating on the focal point of the narrative.

5/ The result is that the narrative becomes self-reinforcing for fixation on that focal point, and the emotion associated with it.

All very abstract, so let's get down to earth.

6/ Most of our media narratives focus on Trump and MAGA. Understandably, for good reason, but it has become very, very reductionist.

To a point where we ignore other threats, and the inconvenient reality of an authoritarian ecosystem.

7/ One consequence is that it becomes very easy to fixate on Trump, losing sight of the Big Picture.

Big Picture Awareness is historically the first requirement of a succesful defence against authoritarism.

8/ Another consequence is that it becomes very easy to get more and more emotional. The same stimulus repeated over and over again begins to grate.

Any ongoing such experience reinforces anger, frustration, but also despair and disconnecting.

9/ In short: reductionism as a component of narrative which needs to sell fixates us on one aspect of a big picture while p*ssing us off to a point where we get more and more frustrated.

10/ Don't misunderstand me: the case of Trump is frustrating. But it is one aspect, one vector of a threat.

Dealing with that vector is a tedious marathon to endure. That same challenge exists with every other vector.

11/ The case of Trump is a horrible catch-22. We need to apply accountability to him, but he is neither architect nor master of our ongoing troubles.

And we can't get from him to all the other vectors.

12/ The week has barely begun and already we have had a painful reminder of the cost of absence of the Big Picture in too many #media narratives.

A Federalist Society Judge trampling on the law.

13/ This Federalist Society Judge mess was predictable, to those who make an effort (and who have the means) to have Big Picture awareness.

To many of us depending on media narratives, it was not.

14/ It's a painful aftermath of consequences. More fixation on just Trump's vector, more negative emotion - and more outcry of people dropping out of the marathon.

For understandable reasons. But, who benefits?

15/ As with bothsideism and normalcy bias there is an inconvenient matter of consequences of reductionism in #media narratives as well.

The benefit of people giving up, giving in, or fixating even further lies with the ecosystem of authoritarianism.

16/ That ecosystem of authoritarianism is something we need to engage. All of its vectors.

Explanatory journalism is rare, but it does exist. This article from March 2021 by @zackbeauchamp is an excellent introduction. vox.com/policy-and-pol…

17/ If you want a deep dive into how we got here, what's all at play and what to most corporate media constitutes too much complexity to sell, this series by @davetroy is something to sit down with. Or, if you like, listen to the audio version. davetroy.medium.com/the-big-histor…