According to the authors, political realignments arise when a large, new, engaged generation comes of age, and new technologies enable major shifts in communication paradigms.
Winograd and Hais describe the newest generation to enter politics -- “Millenials” or those born between 1982-2003 -- as a civic generation. They describe Millenials as protected, revered children who were shaped by 9/11 and its aftermath. They are growing into adults who are great at solving problems, building institutions, and making community, consensus-based decisions.
Winograd and Hais belief the Millenial generation will end an era of divisive politics and ring in a new era of consensus building. The 2008 Presidential election demonstrates a number of the characteristics predicted by the authors, including large voter turnout, widespread use of new communications medium (and an expectations that candidates engage through these vehicles), and a tone of consensus and cohesion.
As the authors mention, political realignments happen over the course of several election cycles and are not immediate. I believe we have a long way to go before we can declare that we are in an era of true political consensus and cohesion – or even that we are using the communications technologies that signal the realignment. A few proof points:
- In the aftermath of President Obama’s election, forces on both sides have certainly worked to keep divisiveness and gridlock alive – from the Tea Party movement to Party Politics.
- Government utilization of social media (or even just basic websites!) is lacking, and President Obama himself has expressed frustration over the lack of technological freedoms to communicate with the American people.
It will be interesting to see whether, as more Millenials come of age, divisive movements diminish, and better use of social media and other new media truly does become integrated into the government and political infrastructure.
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