why the sedate culture wars of the 80s and 90s were replaced by a world where anyone can become a “trad” or “trans” influencer, as long as they can guess what those audiences guess they want to hear
You have it exactly. Both sides do it, and many of the issues can be argued from either side compellingly. The money and (maybe more importantly) skill in making the argument matter more than the facts.
I am amazed at people who uncritically think that all the morally better and smarter people are on their "side", and don't instantly suspect that there might be something biased in their reasoning.
The Culture Wars Go In One Direction: Around In A Circle
You have it exactly. Both sides do it, and many of the issues can be argued from either side compellingly. The money and (maybe more importantly) skill in making the argument matter more than the facts.
I am amazed at people who uncritically think that all the morally better and smarter people are on their "side", and don't instantly suspect that there might be something biased in their reasoning.