Do intentions matter more than outcomes?
In search of common ground.
Written by Neil Gonsalves for Seeking Veritas on Substack
“Sir, it’s not you, there is nothing more you can do; we just don’t trust each other. We would never be able to get a job if someone recorded us speaking openly”
That was a comment made to me by a student at the end of a class. For two hours I presented multiple perspectives on contemporary issues related to diversity and law enforcement; every student dutifully nodded along but would not comment, take a position or express an opinion. I could not get anyone to participate; for an educator - that kind of silence is deafening! Is this the new classroom norm? What does it say about our society when it appears we have accepted the 2023 reboot of McCarthyism?
I teach a college level diversity course to students who aspire to enter the field of law enforcement. Those who are successful in reaching their goals will be called upon to intervene in conflicts, empathize with victims, and recognize that even those who break the law must be treated in accordance with the principles of procedural justice. These aren’t simplistic tasks, they require a degree of critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of human behaviour.
The classroom environment I described earlier is not uncommon. When I first noticed the trend, my initial reaction was to reflect on my own teaching practices. I wondered if after 17+ years in the classroom I was no longer relevant or relatable. Was there something about me that was the prime mover in their silence?
Perhaps my pop culture knowledge required updating - I’m fairly certain it does! - But in all fairness, if it is controversial to talk about, let alone teach, the sociological connection between BLM slogans and the 1988 hit rap song ‘Fuck the Police’ by N.W.A. (Yes I know I cannot actually say what that acronym stands for) - Then I definitely don’t want to discuss the Cardi B song ‘WAP’ and it’s relation to women’s empowerment! - I will keep my pension, thank you!
But, therein lies the problem. Too many educators actually believe that their pension is at risk for merely teaching academically sound albeit controversial content. What is the root of that problem? An overzealous DEI industry? Administrators? Parenting? Educators? - As with most things in life, a single cause variable rarely holds the answer. The fact that many post secondary educators actually believe they will be unfairly treated if they don’t fall in line should be concerning enough; it has a chilling effect on discourse and that behaviour is being actively modelled for the students. - Is it any wonder the students elect to self censor?
But is that really an accurate assessment? I’ve had a lot of conversations with faculty, support staff, administrators, and students over the years. What almost all of them consistently have in common is good intention and a willingness to attempt the latest strategy that may improve the overall condition of the learning experience. To criticize them for failing some of the time, is antithetical to the principle of a learning organization.
The real challenge might be dealing with very conflicting information, a ridiculously wide range of acceptable strategies and constantly evolving social dynamics. It is no wonder so many people feel like they are spinning their wheels but going nowhere. Yet, there they are trying each new thing and that is worthy of recognition.
We should highlight to students that the real behaviour being modelled is adaptability, perseverance and resilience. All of which is necessary when someone feels like they are facing an insurmountable challenge. None of this is intended to excuse bad decisions or corrosive practices. None of this justifies the divisiveness of identity politics. We should be advocating for viewpoint diversity and recognition of our common humanity; that extends to those we disagree with.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Immanuel Kant argued, intentions are more important than outcomes since they can be more easily determined. If an action is done with good intentions, it is more likely to be moral, even if the results turn out to be undesirable or unsustainable - Perhaps we need to be more charitable in our judgement of intentions and more compassionate in our evaluation of the outcomes, which may be outside the control of any individual person. - It is worth remembering Stephen Covey’s observation; we tend to judge others by their behaviour but judge ourselves by our intentions! We can do better.
Key Takeaways:
We should recognize the positive intentions of those we disagree with. It will enable a deeper understanding of their positions and potentially help in the search for middle-ground.
Leaders could do more to instill confidence, so self censorship and paranoia does not become the default position.
We need to drown out the noise and be clear about the operational definition of diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization. People need to be clear on the objective in order to work toward a desired outcome.
Bio: Neil Gonsalves is an Indian-born Canadian immigrant who grew up in Dubai, U.A.E. and moved to Canada in 1995. He is an Ontario college professor, a TEDx speaker, a German Shepherd lover and a recreational dog trainer.
(The views contained in this article are solely those of the author, intended for opinion based editorial purposes and/or entertainment only. They do not represent the views of any organization I am otherwise associated with.)
Very interesting to learn about the classroom dynamics. Your student’s comment says much (not good) about the current state of affairs. Given how slick and convincing mainstream channels can be in presenting ideas via pop culture, it really is unfortunate there’s so much that can’t be discussed openly. It’s one less opportunity to question and critique, which might help someone reach a conclusion that differs from the angle the mainstream is pushing.
Great video choice; powerful start (and end) with how the Bell Curve fits into it. Can’t lie, I was kind of cringing at the thought of sitting down to dinner with author. Hats off to this young man.