From the file. Written for the paper dated February 1970. Opened in the public stacks July 14, 2026.
In an era where outrage is as marketable as any product on the shelf, we must examine the consequences of commodifying our social and political frustrations. As societal tensions flare, the media and political establishments have found a way to package outrage, turning it into a product that is consumed daily by the public.
The Left's Outrage Machine
The left has become adept at harnessing outrage, especially in the wake of the civil rights movement and the growing anti-war sentiment. Activists and politicians alike have learned that a well-timed blast of indignation can rally support, draw attention to issues, and even secure funding for their initiatives. But this has come at a cost. Genuine grievances are often overshadowed by a performative brand of outrage that prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Consider the protests against the Vietnam War. While many participants are genuinely concerned about the loss of life and moral implications of U.S. involvement, others seem more interested in the dramatic imagery of the protests than in crafting a coherent strategy for peace. This can lead to a dilution of the message - where the calls for justice are drowned out by the noise of protest culture. It is imperative that we differentiate between the sincere activists and those who are merely riding the wave of outrage for personal gain or notoriety.
The Right's Reactionary Response
On the other end of the spectrum, the right has found its own way to monetize outrage. The rise of conservative talk radio and sensationalist publications has created a feedback loop that thrives on fear and anger. The rhetoric often escalates quickly, with commentators using fearmongering tactics to galvanize their base. This has resulted in an environment where rational discourse is sacrificed in favor of incendiary sound bites that resonate with the loudest segments of the audience.
Issues like crime, immigration, and social change are painted in broad strokes, creating an atmosphere of paranoia that does little to foster understanding or dialogue. The right's ability to frame these discussions in terms of 'us versus them' only serves to deepen divisions, distracting from the real needs of communities and the complexities of the challenges we face.
What Gets Left Out
In the crossfire of this manufactured outrage, essential conversations are often left out of the briefings. The media’s tendency to prioritize sensational stories over nuanced discussions creates a culture where the loudest voices dominate the narrative. Critical issues like economic inequality, systemic racism, and environmental degradation are frequently sidelined in favor of more emotionally charged topics that can generate headlines.
Outrage is not a substitute for action; it is merely a catalyst for it.
Moreover, the focus on outrage can lead to a sense of helplessness among the public. When frustration is commodified, individuals may feel as though they are powerless in effecting change. This sense of futility can breed disengagement, as citizens become overwhelmed by a barrage of negative news and conflicting messages. It is crucial for both sides of the political spectrum to recognize that outrage may fuel momentum, but it cannot replace meaningful engagement and policy advocacy.
The Path Forward
As consumers of news and participants in civic life, we must demand better from our media and political leaders. Outrage should not be packaged and sold like a commodity; rather, it should serve as a call to action, prompting thoughtful discussions and constructive solutions. We need to foster an environment where dialogue replaces noise and where genuine concerns are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.
Both the left and the right must take responsibility for the role they play in shaping public discourse. Instead of perpetuating cycles of outrage, leaders should strive for transparency and accountability, encouraging their followers to engage with the issues at hand rather than merely reacting to them. Only then can we hope to create a political landscape that is informed, constructive, and ultimately beneficial for all.
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