Reading this post now, seven years later, is almost uncanny. The cultural shift it describes — how extreme ideas can be normalized over time — seems even more relevant today. The Overton window theory here offers such a powerful way to understand the dynamics behind public opinion on divisive figures like Trump. Now that we’ve actually seen assassination attempts and increasing polarization, it makes me wonder how much of what we see in media and culture is purposefully designed to shift that window.
It also raises important questions about the role of media and public figures in either restraining or accelerating these shifts. The responsibility to uphold a discourse that doesn't veer into incitement is more critical than ever, especially given the rapid spread of information (and disinformation) today. This post has reminded me of just how powerful subtle, cumulative messages can be, especially when they make extreme possibilities seem inevitable.