We-Speak

One thing which has got me thinking this week was the idea brought up by Terranova, which many others have alluded to, that “we are passing from a Cartesian model of thought based on the singular idea of cogito (I think) to a collective or plural cogitamus (we think).” This coupled with the idea of digital networks got me thinking about the political mindset of the country, and the way it seems we are having a larger divide between liberals and conservatives. It seems our country has moved to two great “we think” groups instead of the “I think.” This causes a large problem in the realm of politics when people stop thinking for themselves anymore, democracy devolves into a fight of a halved majority, which is in constant flux, and never allows a minority voice. The idea of the “we” always benefits the majority, and minority groups find it harder and harder to find an adequate voice. This can tie into what Srinivasan was saying about marginalized communities, and also our readings during the week on Networks and power, as one needs to surrender themselves to the system in order to attack it from the inside out. I also fear this “we think” model because of the social implications it can entail when we stop recognizing individuals and just acknowledge group mentality. It seems that people, much like high school politics, will fail to branch out and experience other people and much rather experience the faux-individuals in each of their groups, devolving to a teenage mode of social interaction. What could also result from this fractioning of groups instead of individuals is class warfare, minority vs. majority conflicts, or a heightened risk of violence. I feel we should fear this “utopian” we-think model because of the fractioning that would inevitably occur.