The Intersection of Politics and Web3
I’ve had a remarkable journey since March 2021, when I first entered this space. Over time, we’ve witnessed people come and go, fortunes made and lost, and a series of significant events that have left their mark. From rug pulls and scams to the recent news of SBF facing potential legal consequences, Web3 has been a rollercoaster ride. Amidst all this, the world around us has also undergone significant changes, with the transition from the Trump administration to the Biden era.
Back in the early days of the Web3 boom, we found ourselves in the midst of a pandemic, with Donald Trump as the President of the United States. During that period, it seemed as though the Web3 community held a fairly uniform stance against Trump, although there may have been individuals with different political leanings who remained in the shadows. Regardless of politics, there was a widespread consensus that Web3 represented a new paradigm shift, and most agreed on the importance of creating a more inclusive space while avoiding the mistakes of the past.
Fast forward to 2024, and the political landscape has changed once again. Joe Biden now occupies the presidency, and the nation finds itself in the midst of one of the most tumultuous election years in recent history. The United States remains deeply divided, and the Web3 space, as a microcosm of the larger world, reflects this division. As the country goes, so goes Web3, I guess.
Many have departed during the recent bear market, and numerous companies have shuttered their doors. The economic impact of plummeting coin prices has been felt across the board. However, what’s more significant is the government’s attempts to regulate crypto, with Coinbase at the forefront of this battle. In addition to regulatory concerns, diversity has come under scrutiny, as evidenced by the recent Supreme Court ruling. This has prompted people to express their beliefs, with some arguing that affirmative action now constitutes racism.
Moreover, recent global events, such as the conflict between Israel and Palestine, have brought politics into the Web3 discourse. The intersection of politics and Web3 is undeniable, and its implications are profound. Twitter, a pivotal social media platform for Web3 enthusiasts, has seen a rise in radicalization, with notable figures like Elon Musk expressing controversial views. People of color and LGBTQ+ individuals have found themselves under attack, raising important questions for those of us in Web3.
Should politics be an integral part of Web3, or can we exist without it? In my view, Web3 cannot exist in a vacuum devoid of political considerations. We often embrace a live-and-let-live approach to life in Web3, but we must acknowledge that there are limits.
The intersection of politics and Web3 is a complex and evolving landscape. While we strive for inclusivity and progress, we must also recognize the challenges that arise when political ideologies clash within the community. As we navigate this terrain, it’s essential to foster constructive dialogue and find common ground, all while remaining true to the principles that Web3 was built upon – decentralization, innovation, and a commitment to making the world a better place for everyone.
