Interference 2020

I was about to post this and realized that Interference is a theme which has been written about in 2017 and 2018… twice. Perhaps this reminder serves to document my own evolution with the influence and role of social media.

Either way, I’m rolling with it.

The middle of May brought an abrupt halt to my participation on Facebook (again)… for the time being (again, as well).

Several factors were the “breaking point,” but one specific question instigated some serious self-reflection on the role social media plays in my life and the contributions I might have for others:

Would you care to comment? I honestly value your opinion. You are a veteran and an obsessive (meant in a good way) student of history.

My reply was uncharacteristically terse: “No.”

And that was it. I took the app off my phone and just walked away, for the most part.

My opinion has been shared here on this blog over the course of 342 posts; 310,773 words in total. I have said a lot… and I have no intention of stopping…

So, what made one innocent question different?

Sometimes, it feels like the value of opinion and perspectives from a “obsessive student of history” isn’t what some folks want to hear. Perhaps, the ideas which are shaped by the examples of the past can be far too brutal in both potential and eventual repercussions. After all, some of the possible outcomes can be terrifying – yet plausible – to consider.

Let me take you back to some posts which are relevant to the events of the last few months – the pandemic and protests/riots:

Invisible Sun and Friction – 29May2020:

However, now that I think of it, too much friction… applied too quickly… generates excessive heat and can quickly escalate beyond the control of the individual, the society, or the nation as a whole.

World War 01011001 – 21May2020:

The war of opinion might not benefit the aggressor or the defender in ways that were originally intended. The overall impacts of such efforts are difficult to quantify or assess and the repercussions of these actions may result in drastic and uncontainable consequences both to the victim and to the perpetrator…

Three Questions – No Answers… Yet – 23Apr2020:

Over the years of writing on this blog, I have come to the realizations that I favor the ideas of theory and philosophy as well as orders of effect beyond the immediate reactions to what heats debate.

Science Fiction and Contemporary Relevance – 22Apr2020:

Taking a step back, however, a larger picture becomes clear: the fight is arranged by the same society which created the venue – it becomes a spectacle for the sole purpose of being a spectacle.

Solutions are never a simple fix when it comes to the complexities and irrationality of “illogic and foolish emotions” of human behavior. Some would love to think that the figurehead of government – whether it is local or national – is the lynchpin for every political and societal ill of the day and that the removal or unquestioning support of said person would be the “fix” that is needed.

Pandemics and Social Media – 29Mar2020:

The influence of social and traditional media today redefines crisis response on so many different levels. The spread of news and information is instantaneous – which can be both good and bad.

Perspective – 24Mar2020:

Folks in the medical profession – either physical or emotional health – begin each day with steps into the unknown and the repercussions of this crisis will linger for years to come, regardless of nationality, political affiliation, or other ancillary labels we love to quibble over.

Continued Observations – 22Mar2020:

Instead, this should serve as a reminder that a vulnerability was identified, exploited, and evaluated for effectiveness not just by the main perpetrators, but to the entire world – including ourselves.

Impulse Control, Fear, and Hope – 18Mar2020:

We forget how fortunate we have been until those comforts and lifestyle are threatened, yet we – as a whole – find some way to rebound. Sometimes we remember the lessons and capabilities from the past, other times, we need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to basic things we have always done before.

Two Articles, One Perspective – 4Feb2020:

As always, we have choices:

Continue on the current path of division, diversion, and derision of those who do not fit into the shifting definitions of “acceptable” while we continue to empower the technology and – indirectly – those who control it…

Realize our own hubris and make slow steps in understanding how to mitigate the impact of overconfidence, echo chambers, and the mechanisms/processes which can facilitate positive actions as easily as negative behaviors…

Being Wrong is Good, Sometimes – 21Jan2020:

Even more interesting was the overall unity shown by attendees – no matter what their identity, sexual preference, political affiliation, age, or other distinguishing factors, they were there together to show support for a cause that has been a source of division along those very same lines.

…Rules Go Out the Window – 24Dec2019:

It is naive for anyone to think that, after the controls and structure of society break down, everyday life will be simplistic and somewhat challenging. 

…A Very Exciting Time – 20Dec2019:

We are at an interesting point in American history. We are faced with success and/or failure on so many levels, but these aren’t manifested in one symbolic event or action where the results are crystal-clear and immediate.

The Cycle of Anarchist Movements 28Oct2019:

Much like the Anarchists and Galleanists of the early 20th century, these present-day movements seek to be the instigators of major and rapid governmental and societal change with little regard to the deliberate and gradual processes which are often much more successful.

Post-War Perils – 8Mar2019:

Part of what defines us as a civilized society is our acceptance of the laws that govern each member of the larger society. Of course, this is not a perfect system; the great thing about it, however, is that there are mechanisms in place for addressing grievances, appealing disputed judgments, or even reviewing the existing rules to make accommodations/adjustments as society slowly changes.

Most importantly, a primer of previous posts on the related topic of race relations…

Conversations with Walt – 29Jun2019:

What truly bothers me about this whole debate was the potential of the “pendulum swing” when it comes to things like this that are so passionately viewed by some. My biggest fear in this whole mess is that some idiot, pissed that these statues and memorials were removed, will do something more violent and reprehensible in the name of this controversy.* Completely plausible, and entirely stupid, but this is how people work.

* Point of interest: this post was written on 22 May 2017… before the events in Charlottesville on 12 August 2017.

…And so on; the reader gets the idea – I have had a LOT to say about these things.

Now?

My reaction is a compilation of the various “Wow!” exclamations from various Owen Wilson movies – mildly impressed, disgusted, and surprised all at the same time.

It is somewhat distressing when events have me referring back to my posts here to see if I had already written about it – only to find out that there are times when my perspectives/observations start to reflect what actually happens, months later.

So.

I have my commentary… much of it will continue to either be unpopular or withheld for personal reasons here on WordPress… but what I will share are two observations for the moment:

• Given all this crap going on, we will now never know if any resurgence in COVID was due to relaxing the lockdown or because of the riots.
• I was thinking about my theory that big protests like this usually happen in late summer – when the kids are sufficiently bored and school is out… Then I realized that school has been out for a couple months now, so the reference point has shifted. What kept things “sane” is that they eventually went back to school – with this being at the beginning of summer, things will be MUCH different… and SO not in a good way. It is hard to see how things can be deescalated – especially with the pandemic, unemployment, and overall dissatisfaction with the media and government.

However, I will viciously maintain my optimism that, while things are sideways and inverted with way too much friction, I have hope that we will find our way once again.

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This blog is a hobby and a sort of record of posterity for my kids when they reach the age of “What did Dad think back in ___?”

You, dear Reader, have found yourself her either through accident or intent.

Do not misconstrue my words as me being an apologist for whatever social side as you see fit – those would be your assumptions of my intent, which are probably wrong.

As the Venn diagram used above, one can be outraged and disgusted at the plethora of various wrongs being committed as I type this. At the same time, I can be reassured and consoled by the acts of humanity, unity, and common decency that seem to slip through the cracks formed by the warpage of anger.

We will get through this; it may not be a pleasant and scenic process, but it is inevitable.

What we need to focus on is understanding our own roles in this – for better or worse – and adjust accordingly.

…Viciously optimistic, always.

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