It’s the Screens, not the Show

When Glenn Sparks and I wrote our book on social isolation (‘Refrigerator Rights’) we identified the twin patterns of moving (relocation) along with the surge of media (especially social media) as the root cause of our current social distress. As Marshall McLuhan shared ‘it’s the screens, not what is on the screens that is matter’. And so this prophetic and distressing notion has come to full flower. And here we are dangerously divided and segmented. And worse, are now attached with ferocity to our new ‘communities’ and ‘our’ ideas and convictions. Worse yet we have become infamously intolerant of opposing communities that we find to be misguided and even dangerous. Whenever I speak to a group, I ask: “raise you hand if you have family members who no long speak to you, visit you or invite you to their homes based on fiercely held ideas?” And what about the other way? Of course most hands are raised. Where is the solution for this destructive social trend? Who has the answer? This is what troubles me most of all about our country. Where is the leadership that rises above crude passions that demonize ‘those others’? And I find it especially disturbing that many of our loudest voices shout out from their religious convictions! Good grief! No wonder so few want to attend religious practices? The distortions are grotesque and ripping us to pieces. But wait, don’t lose hope. I have faith that rescue is coming from somewhere, through someone. And I’m waiting (and yes, praying and meditating).