The Perilous Center: Fear and Passivity in the Age of Extremes by Steve Rosenberg

In the tumultuous landscape of contemporary global politics, the spotlight often shines brightly on the extreme ends of the ideological spectrum—the radical left and the far right. However, amidst the fervor and noise generated today by these polar opposites, there exists a quieter, yet equally consequential group: the moderate center. These individuals, often characterized by their aversion to extremism and preference for compromise, find themselves in a precarious position, caught between the ideological trenches of the left and right. Paralyzed by fear and a desire to avoid conflict, they inadvertently contribute to the very issues they seek to avoid, perpetuating a cycle of inaction and stagnation that plagues the world today. Afraid of being figuratively cancelled, they choose to sit by quietly allowing the extremes to gain power and momentum and more importantly, dictate the political narrative which in turn paralyzes our nation’s “leaders.”

The roots of this phenomenon can be traced back to a fundamental aspect of human nature: the fear of the unknown. When faced with the prospect of radical change or upheaval, the instinctual response for many is to retreat to familiar ground—to cling to the status quo. This innate fear is compounded by the increasingly polarized nature of modern political discourse, where nuanced dialogue and compromise are often overshadowed by sensationalism and sensationalism. In such an environment, the moderate center finds itself marginalized, its voice drowned out by the more strident tones of the extremes. Some might refer to this as complacency, but it is not that. Our world is crumbling around us, and most people are too afraid to speak out and use their collective powers to stand up for what is right. Just look at what is transpiring at almost any university in the United States today.

Yet, while the center may seek refuge in its moderation, this very temperance can be its undoing. By failing to take a stand against the excesses of the extremes, the center inadvertently enables their rise, allowing fringe ideas to gain traction and mainstream acceptance. This phenomenon, known as the "radical flank effect," highlights the danger of complacency in the face of extremism. By refusing to confront the extremes, the center emboldens them, paving the way for further polarization and division.

Moreover, the center's reluctance to engage with the extremes is not only detrimental to society as a whole but also to its own interests. By shying away from conflict and confrontation, the center cedes ground to the extremes, relinquishing the opportunity to shape the course of political discourse. In doing so, it abdicates its responsibility to steer the ship of state, leaving it adrift in a sea of competing ideologies and conflicting interests. This sea is now a river polluted with sewage and colossal waste so significant that it is impenetrable.

To break free from this cycle of fear and passivity, the center must rediscover its voice and its courage. It must recognize that moderation does not mean complacency, nor does it require a retreat from principle. Instead, it demands a willingness to engage with the extremes, to challenge their ideas and their assumptions, and to defend the values of democracy and pluralism that are under assault from all sides.

This is not to say that the center should abandon its commitment to compromise and consensus. On the contrary, these values are more important now than ever. However, they must be tempered with a firmness of purpose and a clarity of vision that have been lacking in recent years. The center must reclaim its role as the voice of reason and moderation, offering a path forward that is neither radical nor reactionary but grounded in the principles of democracy and justice.

The issues facing the world today are not solely the result of the extreme left or the far right, but of the panic and passivity of those in the middle who live as prisoner in fear of the extremes. By rediscovering its voice and its courage, the center can break free from the shackles of fear and chart a course towards a more just and equitable future. It is time for the center to rise from its slumber and reclaim its place as the moral and political compass of society. Our country and the other democratic societies in the world deserve this to happen. The song, “Stuck in the Middle With You,” by Stealers Wheel never rang so true with the lyrics – “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right…here I am.” 

United we stand, divided we fail.

Steve Rosenberg is the Principal of the TeamGSD. He is also the author of the book, Make Bold Things Happen: Inspirational Stories From Sports, Business And Life.