A Fuzzy Line

I don’t think I’m the only Mishpacha reader who tries to keep a firm demarcation between news and entertainment. I see a certain value and purpose in staying aware of news and politics. I see risk and debasement in following secular culture. There have always been times when the two overlapped — but as a general rule, it was possible to stay on top of what we call “the news” without descending into popular culture.

During the most recent election cycle, I found myself pulled once again to that site I had previously put on my “inappropriate list.” Not for the movie reviews or celebrity updates, but for its smart and uber-relevant takes on news and politics.

The smart takes were still there. But something troubling had happened. During my hiatus, the lowbrow tone that dominated the lifestyle content had crept into the news commentary. Even the smart, news-focused analysis was now peppered with profanity, coarse humor, and references to celebrities.

How could it be any different? Our most recent election campaign demonstrated just how dramatically and absolutely American politics has been subsumed by popular culture. The candidates’ teams may have drafted official policy platforms, but in their public addresses and campaign messaging, it was clear their primary messages weren’t really about policy. At heart each campaign revolved around what Barack Obama likes to call “who we are as a people.”