What is
THE
CULTURAL TOUCHSTONE?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, cultural refers to a society’s habits, traditions, and beliefs. Likewise, the origin of touchstone comes from the practice of using a stone to test the quality of precious metals like gold and silver.
Additionally, the Cambridge Dictionary defines touchstone as an established standard or principle by which we judge something.
In life, as we discuss topics openly and privately, it is often essential to approach them with nuance. Unfortunately, in this digital age of rage bait and an ever-growing sense of tribalism with each passing year, nuance is becoming more akin to a past relic.
While many topics require nuance, two in particular stand out: romantic relationships and politics.
On social media, if you want to create unhealthy discourse, one approach is to present a hot take on politics or the intersectional dynamics of romantic relationships.
Of course, if someone wants to sit back and grab a bucket of popcorn to watch the chaos ensue, this may seem entertaining. However, to what end? What fruit would such a seed produce?
The answer is simple: this seed is unlikely to cultivate positive outcomes. As a result, people will continue to disconnect from one another.
In a climate where tribalism will often misrepresent, misunderstand, or even dismantle bridges instead of constructing them, The Cultural Touchstone wants to add a nuanced voice by bridging hearts, minds, and cultures.
By combining touchstone with cultural, the combination suggests a place for a better understanding of political discussions and healthy discourse around romantic relationships.
Therefore, The Cultural Touchstone will serve as a nuanced platform that merges the relationship between romantic bonds, political discussions, the common hurdles that frequently impede healthy dialogue, and ways to navigate them.
During a time when nuance seems like a past relic, The Cultural Touchstone will strive to write content that reinforces the need for healthier methods of communication in romantic relationships.
Similarly, during a time when the distribution of political news aims to agitate one side against the other, The Cultural Touchstone will generate content that promotes nuance and understanding.
Why is this approach necessary?
It is common for provocateurs to receive incentives as they prey on our emotions, especially regarding subjects like relationships and politics. This may include financial gain or free attention. Therefore, as our emotions agitate due to certain information, this will make us easier to manipulate.
Under this manipulation, we will walk away from promoting nuance, away from embracing healthy discourse, and eventually move closer to echo chambers where we villainize those on the outside.
In politics, certain voices will thrive on sowing division by misrepresenting information about the opposing side. In romantic relationship discussions, certain voices will prey on our fears or disappointments, pitting men and women against one another.
By sourcing through culturally relevant political and relationship topics of the day, The Cultural Touchstone will navigate through any noise of division and offer a nuanced perspective.
As you take this voyage with The Cultural Touchstone, your time is greatly appreciated because you could have spent it doing a multitude of other things, but you chose to spend it here.
ENTER THE CONVERSATION
Communication is about building bridges to connect people, not something to pull everyone apart. Below, dive into the topic that interests you most.
