The Two-Way Street of Politics and Culture: Completing the Breitbart Doctrine

The Breitbart Doctrine

Andrew Breitbart's "Politics is downstream of culture" has become a conservative mantra. It underscores the undeniable influence of culture on political outcomes.

"Walk toward the fire. Don't worry about what they call you. They want to stop you in your tracks." - Andrew Breitbart

The Missing Half: Culture Downstream of Politics

However, what if the Breitbart Doctrine was incomplete? Historian Ralph Lerner and philosopher George Will suggest that politics also shapes culture.

"The Supreme Court is a republican schoolmaster, an educator, molder, and guardian of the manners, morals, and beliefs that sustain republican government." - Ralph Lerner

Case Studies in Political Influence

Examples abound: Nancy Reagan's "Just Say No" campaign, Supreme Court rulings, and William Bennett's use of rhetoric as the first "drug czar" to transform American attitudes towards substance abuse.

"What is politics, if not the use of power to stir our sensibilities and our very souls?" - George Will

Mark Zuckerberg's Time Machine

Recently, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has taken a U-turn, revoking censorship measures and emulating grassroots platforms like Elon Musk's X.

"I regret Facebook's role in previous censorship decisions." - Mark Zuckerberg, August 2024

This shift in Facebook's policy suggests the potent impact of politics on culture, as Zuckerberg seeks to appease Donald Trump.

Conclusion: The Two-Way Street

Politics and culture are inextricably intertwined, affecting each other in a cyclical manner. This understanding adds nuance to the Breitbart Doctrine, recognizing the power of politics to influence our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

"Politics and culture constitute something of a two-way street: Each is both downstream and upstream of the other." - Unknown