Be a candle, not an arsonist
There is no question that we live in challenging times. But if we malign large swaths of people indiscriminately because we are frightened, we are making the problem worse and we need to own our part in this mess.
The airwaves, print media, social media, and ordinary conversations are filled with statements about the evil, corrupt, or illogical motivations of a vast group of people identified with disdain as a monolithic “other.” Reputable newspapers on both the left and right fill their Opinion pages with columns attempting to explain the “other” using language that often exudes contempt and umbrage.
There is value in analyzing the actions of specific people, particularly when measured against norms, facts, or the law. But when referring to conservatives or liberals (or any large group) as “them,” the vast majority of such interpretations and statements are wrong. The commentary often lacks context, nuance, and understanding, and it lacks an acknowledgement of the diversity of thought or behavior within a group. Such statements do not enlighten, but instead fan the flames of polarization.
As we move towards the binary paradigm of an election, there are hundreds of “arsonists” fueling the fires of polarization by stating their interpretations of “the other” as if their statements are based on insightful expertise. In reality, very few people can speak with authority and sufficient depth of knowledge about another group’s characteristics. And those who have the most knowledge are usually more circumspect in their statements, careful not to overstate or extrapolate.
When we malign an entire group with a broad brush, ignoring the differences within that group, we relinquish our capacity for critical thinking.
If you are concerned about our highly flammable polarization right now, do your part. Participate responsibly. Speak with passion about your own values without vilifying entire groups of people. How you phrase things matters.
There is a big difference between creating light from your own candle and fanning the flames of polarization. Be a candle, not an arsonist.
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Copyright © 2020 Sharon V. Kristjanson. All rights reserved.