This is great, and so well-written. I would add that some of what you're talking about seems to validate the Horseshoe theory of politics; that the far left and far right are closer together than they are to the center. And I would really emphasize that "the stereotypes have always been illusions" is true, but our media (social, legacy, alternative) are strongly incentivized to present those illusions as realities.

You ask, "Why are these reflections, both of which seek to expose corrupting influences in our society, so often at odds with each other?" And I don't think the answer is complete without acknowledging that technology is always upstream of culture, and the technology of mass communication has rewarded disinformation and balkanization above all.