
<a href="https://reason.com/2025/07/25/norms-matter-in-free-democratic-societies/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
If you think history is boring, think again! A recent poll reveals that a surprising number of Americans actually hold favorable views on some pretty wild periods, like the Dark Ages and even the Black Plague. I mean, who knew that non-stop chaos and disease could have such a fan club? At least we can take comfort in the fact that the Renaissance and the Enlightenment still have a strong following, leaving us to wonder if we should brace ourselves for a historical revival of swords and sorcery.
Enter Donald Trump, our very own time traveler who’s been shaking up the political landscape like an episode of “Survivor: White House Edition.” His penchant for tossing out once-unthinkable ideas has shifted the public discourse in ways we couldn’t have imagined just a few years back. And while it may spark some intriguing debates, it does pose a real threat to the democratic norms we’ve taken for granted. Let’s not forget the importance of civility in all this. If social media attacks are the new norm, to paraphrase a wise philosopher, what’s next—medieval jousting on TikTok?
But don’t get too worried just yet! While the results of the poll might make your jaw drop, they also serve as a wake-up call. It’s time to remember that we can shape our conversations and steer clear of the slippery slopes of history. After all, it’s our responsibility to keep pushing for democracy and civil discourse, not medieval mayhem. So, what’s your take—are we headed for a renaissance of reason, or is the Dark Ages vibe slowly creeping back into style? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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