Salon’s reader comments of the week: "America has destroyed nuance"

Millennials, voting rights and Christmas carols: What our users were talking about this week

By Mary Elizabeth Williams

Senior Writer

Published December 7, 2018 5:00PM (EST)

 Donald Trump views damage from wildfires in Malibu, California, on November 17, 2018 (Getty/Saul Loeb)
Donald Trump views damage from wildfires in Malibu, California, on November 17, 2018 (Getty/Saul Loeb)

What millennial panic stories — like “killing” canned tuna — tell us about Boomer guilt

I hate to see articles blaming millennials for problems and then blaming Boomers for not understanding. If we don't work together across generations the wealthy who are stealing your future - not average Boomers - will leave nothing BUT canned tuna. Guest222452

North Carolina scandal wipes out Republican Party’s credibility as a protector of election integrity

Was the proposition Republicans were protectors of election integrity ever true? That was purely a ruse to enact horrible voting laws. In light of North Carolina, the GOP would be joining the chorus in a very vocal way if clean and fair elections mattered. DRedmond

Arrogance and ignorance: Will the Trump family escape criminal charges because they seem too dumb?

While I hold great respect for Digby I suspect her fears that Trump and his criminal brood will get off scot free (correct spelling, by the by) is incorrect.

Because Trump and his criminal brood are as arrogant as they are stupid. They have almost certainly left evidence of crimes larger than ethical lapses and lack of judgment. They have almost certainly left clear evidence of criminal intent and planning. And they will end up in federal prisons because of it. Bmccollaum

Why public health experts are worried about 5G, the next generation of cell network

I find it concerning that we always just reference technological impacts on humans only. We don't seem to think about why the birds are falling out of the sky, why whales, dolphins and other sea life beach themselves for no reason, in increasing numbers, and how the bee population has been decimated since the introduction of genetically modified crops. We allow science to tear ahead of responsible development, and now we are looking at genetically modified twins who purportedly are immune to the HIV virus. Curiosity didn't just kill the cat, it has the potential to kill an entire planet. Guest 922854

The “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” fight is back — but why?!

This debate is still happening because:

1 - American culture has destroyed nuance

2 - people use this 'debate' as a way to emphasize their cultural alliances without actually doing anything. 

3 - some radio station figured they'd get publicity both ways if they *announced their intentions*  (spoiler alert: they were right) Broken Tryst


By Mary Elizabeth Williams

Mary Elizabeth Williams is a senior writer for Salon and author of "A Series of Catastrophes & Miracles." Follow her on Bluesky @maryelizabethw.

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