Mediatization, polarization, and intolerance (between environments, media, and circulation)

José Luiz Braga 292 We can, therefore, define polarization as the forced coexistence of opponents, restricted to the super code of their exacerbated difference in binary structure, excluding inferences related to other dimensions, but whose actions cannot fail to in- terfere with each other. *** We still need to examine an impression induced by the pole metaphor. The geographical reference of a rotation axis, as well as the electromagnetic reference, with its positive and negative poles, reinforce a perception of symmetrical structure. Indeed, there is a tendency towards the inverse sym- metry if we consider that the reduction of the opponent to a single dimension stimulates, in the practical order, the reverse reduction. This possibility is reinforced by the prevalence, in the co-presence of the poles, of exacerbated difference. Not finding other shared references that can be activated, the opposite pole is attached to an equally refusing position of the pole that refuses it. Whoever intends to avoid the monotonous clash does not find actionable shared processes in the interaction: any arguments to surround the direct line between the poles is reinterpreted as confirmation of the difference established and imposed. Just as we are judged, with disregard for our perspectives, we tend to symmetrize the judge in his/her reducing position: this, if re- ducing, is also characterized as its only significant dimension. On the other hand, this characteristic of symmetry should not be generalized for all aspects of the structure - sever- al angles must be examined in specific concrete cases, because of which the polarized entities are not similar with the exchanged sign. The first possible aspect may be the question of who is right - since one side can have it more clearly than the other -, deviating the situation from an effective symmetry. It is not simple, in a given situation (even if we are looking from the outside), to decide who is right and who is wrong - both sides may show different mistakes. Even together, if united (the ex- pression is paradoxical, but it can be true) in the structural construction of the impasse. Still, the discussion of reasons and non-reasons will be an important angle to the study of polar-