In today's society, moderates often find themselves facing harsher scrutiny and backlash compared to extremists. This phenomenon suggests a troubling trend where those advocating for balanced views are treated as if they hold more extreme stances than those who genuinely adopt radical ideologies. The idea reflects a shift in priorities, where moderation is dismissed or penalized in favor of more extreme viewpoints.

Orson Scott Card's book "Empire" explores this dynamic, highlighting how the political landscape can distort public perception. As moderates are increasingly marginalized, the overall discourse becomes more polarized, making it difficult for reasonable dialogue to take place. The treatment of moderates underscores a societal challenge where the voices of rationality and balance are drowned out by the noise of fanaticism.