They say the 1960s was the ‘Decade of Love’. And if that’s true, then these 2020s we’re all navigating are surely the ‘Decade of Controversy’, because that’s the currency we’re all trading in these days.

We’re all perpetually taking sides, embracing hot takes, joining in hive mind mentality, lambasting loudly those whose thoughts don’t align perfectly with our own, and falling out with family and friends because of extreme and controversial views we fall in behind.

Look around you at those who are talking the loudest these days. Controversy sells and people have made a good living from peddling it ceaselessly, feeding an almost baying public what they want.

Look at what is gaining traction with regards opinions on immigration or health or government policies or war.

Leona O’Neill: The problem with courting controversy is that you have to accept the consequences

Newton Emerson: The DUP and Sinn Féin have given up on devolving taxes

Look at who is gaining traction and making a living with their controversial views and actions – Katie Hopkins, Andrew Tate, Bonnie Blue, the list could go on and on as more people pick up on the notion........

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