What an important topic to raise. “Blanket statements discourage critical thinking and thoughtful discourse.” And no matter how sincere and well-intentioned I may be, if my thinking is limited or compromised in some way, that threatens the soundness of the conclusions I arrive at.
“deterioration of constructive conversations,” “polarization of people,” and “social fragmentation.” Yet even with such highly concerning outcomes, we see mainstream media routinely using a variety of limiting statements and biased terms. These unhelpful statements and terms get picked up by the public, gain traction through widespread use across social media, skewed perspectives get reinforced by the algorithms, and on it goes.
Really appreciate how this piece captures not just the details of the problem (which it explains very well), but also the gravity of the problem and sense of urgency to it.
So much truth in this article Brian. Few things are ever black or white. Unfortunately, examining the many shades of grey takes effort, patience and a willingness to actually lift the blanket and take a peak at what might lie beneath. Unfortunately, I think many are frightened by the truths that such an examination might reveal. When their biases, programming, fears, and insecurities are challenged, the confrontation can prove overwhelming. Many, just can't bring themselves to face it.
Your article reminds me of something I read a few years ago. Much like social media algorithms that direct like-minded people towards one another, self-imposed policies can sometimes do the same. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, it became politically unpopular for US Congressmen to move their families to Washington and be so far from their constituents as had always been the case. So, House members started leaving their families behind and would travel back and forth between home and Washington. This meant that how they spent their time in Washington became more about planning their next campaign and building their political profiles. They became more isolated and partisan. No longer did they spend their off hours playing golf or attending dinners with their opponents. Their kids no longer attended the same schools or belonged to the same Boy Scout or Girl Guide troop. In short, it became easier and easier not to see party members sitting across the floor as human beings sharing many of the same problems, concerns and fears as themselves. The result has been an increase in ideological partisanship, where an "us vs them" mentality pervades Washington, and generalizations and blanket statements rule the day. Those advocating for bipartisan cooperation are now in the minority on both sides while polarization has increased dramatically.
Your article is an excellent reminder that it is in everyone's best interest to take steps to adjust simplistic algorithms, change poorly thought out policies, and practice empathy. Let's engage more in nuanced discussions that highlight complex issues and acknowledge and respect different perspectives. The steps you mention are a good place to start if we hope to mitigate bipartisanship, polarization, and learned bias. Thank you Brian.
Thank you Vernon - people have become so entrenched in their own ideologies that they refuse to engage in any discussion. I have always felt that when the leaders of a country come to the point where they oppose only for opposition sake it signals the breakdown of society. When we dehumanize "the other" in order to make a point about our own beliefs and ideologies we take our world one step close to the precipice. When we refuse to see or understand the other person's point of view we lose not sight of what it means to be human.
What an important topic to raise. “Blanket statements discourage critical thinking and thoughtful discourse.” And no matter how sincere and well-intentioned I may be, if my thinking is limited or compromised in some way, that threatens the soundness of the conclusions I arrive at.
“deterioration of constructive conversations,” “polarization of people,” and “social fragmentation.” Yet even with such highly concerning outcomes, we see mainstream media routinely using a variety of limiting statements and biased terms. These unhelpful statements and terms get picked up by the public, gain traction through widespread use across social media, skewed perspectives get reinforced by the algorithms, and on it goes.
Really appreciate how this piece captures not just the details of the problem (which it explains very well), but also the gravity of the problem and sense of urgency to it.
So much truth in this article Brian. Few things are ever black or white. Unfortunately, examining the many shades of grey takes effort, patience and a willingness to actually lift the blanket and take a peak at what might lie beneath. Unfortunately, I think many are frightened by the truths that such an examination might reveal. When their biases, programming, fears, and insecurities are challenged, the confrontation can prove overwhelming. Many, just can't bring themselves to face it.
Your article reminds me of something I read a few years ago. Much like social media algorithms that direct like-minded people towards one another, self-imposed policies can sometimes do the same. Back in the late 80's and early 90's, it became politically unpopular for US Congressmen to move their families to Washington and be so far from their constituents as had always been the case. So, House members started leaving their families behind and would travel back and forth between home and Washington. This meant that how they spent their time in Washington became more about planning their next campaign and building their political profiles. They became more isolated and partisan. No longer did they spend their off hours playing golf or attending dinners with their opponents. Their kids no longer attended the same schools or belonged to the same Boy Scout or Girl Guide troop. In short, it became easier and easier not to see party members sitting across the floor as human beings sharing many of the same problems, concerns and fears as themselves. The result has been an increase in ideological partisanship, where an "us vs them" mentality pervades Washington, and generalizations and blanket statements rule the day. Those advocating for bipartisan cooperation are now in the minority on both sides while polarization has increased dramatically.
Your article is an excellent reminder that it is in everyone's best interest to take steps to adjust simplistic algorithms, change poorly thought out policies, and practice empathy. Let's engage more in nuanced discussions that highlight complex issues and acknowledge and respect different perspectives. The steps you mention are a good place to start if we hope to mitigate bipartisanship, polarization, and learned bias. Thank you Brian.
Thank you Vernon - people have become so entrenched in their own ideologies that they refuse to engage in any discussion. I have always felt that when the leaders of a country come to the point where they oppose only for opposition sake it signals the breakdown of society. When we dehumanize "the other" in order to make a point about our own beliefs and ideologies we take our world one step close to the precipice. When we refuse to see or understand the other person's point of view we lose not sight of what it means to be human.