The middle ground is not itself a shaping force. It exists as a compromise between various polarities. To shift the middle ground, or "the silent majority", in one direction or another, vocal minorities need to be as extreme as possible. (While providing a somewhat softer alternative at the same time.) It's a method that works and it is what was done to make us end up where we are today.
So, you're a boomer. Are you also a woman? WomansKrieger?