This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.
Tribalism for profit
There’s big bucks in promoting tribalism. In the online world, if it is free then you are not the customer; you are the product! Whether you like it or not, you are being sold.
If you wonder why we are so divided it is because we like it; we are hard-wired for “Us vs. Others.” Big Tech understands this addiction. They design algorithms to feed our addiction and sell “Us” to profiteers who further exploit our addiction by injecting us with even bigger endorphin producing content.
“Tribal capitalism,” which is protected by the First Amendment, when combined with the Second Amendment can lead to deadly violence and the end of our democracy. Love for our nation can overcome our addiction.
Knowing that we are being manipulated is half of the battle. With this knowledge, it is up to each of us to develop an understanding of “Them” and the ideas that make us uncomfortable.
America is great because it is the only nation that can accommodate diversity of peoples and ideas. Let’s keep America great!
Jim Baumker
Liberty Lake