Politics And Clapter

I don’t think it’s too much of a revelation that most of the most politically vocal writers(or actors, or directors, or screenwriters…) come from the Left side of the aisle.  That’s not to say that there aren’t middle of the road or conservative writers, but the loudest voices almost always seem to be liberal(with notable exceptions).

That doesn’t make those voices less divisive.  The impression created by those who can yell the loudest gives a false image of prevalence.  But more than that, it divides the audience and isn’t as “brave” as some seem to think, especially when it is more about clapter than insight.

What’s clapter?  Clapter is a tendency among a large set of folks either online or in stand up shows to say something that isn’t funny or insightful, but with which the majority of the audience agrees, thus eliciting a round of applause.  It doesn’t persuade those who don’t already agree with it.  I’ve always found clapter to be petty and boring.  Think about it – when you say something about which everyone already agrees, sometimes enthusiastically, what are you really risking?  I mean, if I tell everyone that bacon tastes good, what stand have I taken that brings people over?  Almost everyone agrees that bacon is indeed quite tasty, so I shouldn’t expect vigorous disagreement.  In fact, most who despise bacon a) aren’t already part of my audience, and b) aren’t the target of my message, unless the purpose of my message is to feel righteous in poo-pooing those who dislike that tasty meat.

So why do so many engage in it?  I think it comes down to two things.  First, everyone wants to be liked.  No matter how much folks say they don’t care, most really do, and being liked for a popular stance feels good.  Second, people want to feel righteous, and grand agreement provides that.  It validates our position, which is why so many react with bewilderment and anger when someone has the temerity to disagree.  Far too many hold their political positions as a reflection of their character, so anyone who disagrees is taking issue with their character(and must be a bad person).  That’s a conceited and insecure way to look at things, and it divides further an already polarized society.

Get off your soapbox and tell a good story.  After all, isn’t that why the reader sought us out in the first place?