When I was a kid, the dominant political dynamic was the battle between the free-market, individualist West, and the authoritarian, soul-crushing Soviet states.
In the battle of ideas, we defeated the USSR. In its absence, though, I think we've forgotten what to fear.
In the context of a discussion about TSA yesterday, a 20-year-old political science student told me, "I don't care if I give up my civil liberties." When asked if a lot of people her age feel that way, she said, "Definitely."
Another friend remarked separately, "It's funny that after the government has been stripping our liberties for the last ten years--spying on citizens and all the rest--that it's only when they take a picture of your balls that anybody seems to care."
I, for one, hope the next hegemon is closer to what we used to be, and less like what we're becoming.
5 comments:
Your first mistake was attempting to have a nuanced discussion with a 20-year-old political science student. :D
Anagha
Yes, they're so jaded by then.
give this 20 year old political science student a little credit guys.. and Charlie darling, I said most probably do not agree, my stance is a little unique..
It was your eyes that said definitely.
In that case, can I be the TSA screener whenever she flies?
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