Doesn't it seem like everybody just shouts at each other nowadays? I think it's because conflict is drama, drama is entertaining, and entertainment is marketable. Finding consensus and common ground is dull! Nobody wants to watch a civilized discussion that acknowledges ambiguity and complexity. We want to see fireworks! We want the sense of solidarity and identity that comes from having our interestes narrowed and exploited by like-minded zealots! Talk show hosts, political candidates, news programs, special interest groups... They all become successful by reducing debates to the level of shouted rage. Nothing gets solved, but we're all entertained. Hmmm, you may be right. What a boring day this turned out to be!