My 2 Canadian pesos

[UltraBudgie]

It is deliberate.

Generations of embedded indoctrination in media have left their mark.  (Also, constant war creates a polarizing predilection in the common dialog.)

None of it is 'accidental.'  It is a thing 'nurtured' to be exploited.

One of the main challenges I face as a moderator from time to time, takes the form of refusing my own "free speech privilege" to avoid pointing out how a great chunk of the "topics of the moment" are empty vessels... especially when it becomes a 'team sport' or a 'We love to hate this or that person or thing' exercise.

Having travelled a bit, I learned that it is, for most intents and purposes, not substantially different anywhere else where political celebrities are at play... this dystopian state of affairs is all about politicians and the political class, not the people.

And it is not a bad thing, the "empty vessel" effect you refer to. Many of those who decry political posturing as useless non-issues aren't necessarily being "objective", but rather merely have their own personal shibboleths they feel are more important, like global warming, nuclear armegeddon, or mass extinction. You know, silly things.

Okay well maybe that was a bit trolly, but perhaps food for thought too.

Asking someone how they feel about particular politicians in the modern age is sort of like asking them who their favorite Marvel character is. It says more about them than the actual character, and in that sense is very useful, as a basis for interpersonal understanding and empathy.