Theories on national vs. local opinion
Posted By Mike Orren in Square Pegs on March 20, 2007
Why is it that, almost without fail, the only conversations on our site that get super-heated are about national, rather than local politics? Even if the conversation starter is a local event. (This is but one example.)
I have some theories, but I'm interested to hear what others think.
NateDawgUNT, says:
We're (however you put it) more removed from the local scene. Sure it affects us, but nobody cares to expound upon Mr. What-his-face running for that seat at a building none of us will probably go to, let alone vote on.
People can all have a hot opinion on the high-level, front page of CNN, DMN, etc. because it's the buzz. The local things really not everyone is educated on, partly due to the way news media works today and is presented.
People can LOVE or HATE Bush, the war, or Anna Nicole because they are bombarded with it everywhere. I could honestly not name 10 people running for mayor. It's been covered, but how much? Does the news really emphasize this as important over what tie Anderson Cooper is wearing? Most don't.
With big headlines, everyone is an expert witness. Page 6 is page 6, why get all bothered?
That's my take.
Anonymous
2 years, 8 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Mike Orren, says:
That does jive with one of my theories. We're trying to do something about it:
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/...
Staff
2 years, 8 months agoLink to this comment | Suggest removal
Alan Cohen, says:
I think it has more to with people's natural inclination to imitate what they see. Its normal to see people on television debating about national issues 7 days a week. Same with sports. Then people go and imitate those debates that they have seen. But local issues are still usually not presented in the same style, or given the same attention.
So its easier to be passionate about issues when you see other people passionate about those same issues.
But when enough people are engaged in a local issue, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2006/nov/14/difficult-ash-creek-mobile-home-issue-coming-head/">a great debate can happen</a>.
Staff
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