Using mass media to communicate a point of view is nothing new in the world of politics. The growth of the Internet and social media, on the other hand, is a relatively new phenomenon. Politicians and their handlers are more savvy than ever about using social networks to get their message out but it isn’t just them communicating their point of view. It’s the very people we have invited into our lives through those networks that sometimes frustrate us the most when it comes to politics. So why is that?
Before Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and other online social networks, political debate among friends and relatives took place over coffee, by the water cooler, at the dinner table or at cocktail parties. Growing up, our kitchen table was the site of many arguments between my father and I over whatever political and social issue was important that day. While we disagreed more often than not, I always learned something from those conversations.
As he passionately espoused his position I learned about another side of the issue, and in responding to him I had to learn to articulate MY position with authority and credibility. Those conversations helped me solidify my own point of view by forcing me to understand how things looked from a different perspective . I could present my case MORE PERSUASIVELY because I understood the other side of the argument and could use those ideas to defend my position. And because those conversations took place face-to-face I learned to disagree with respect and advocate with dignity. If I chose not to participate in the current events discussion of the day, I would find a way to excuse myself from the dinner table and go work on homework -- or think more deeply about the issues raised and question my own position in the process.
In the online social world, this respectful process of debate is often sorely lacking. When you don’t have to look another human being in the eye, it’s much easier to respond to disagreement with venom, accusation and name calling. Ann Coulter’s recent reference to President Obama as a “retard” based on his debate comments is a perfect example of everything that is lacking in contemporary political discussion. Even worse, you can ignore people altogether! I see examples every day of people online who “unfriend” someone on Facebook simply because of their politics. If you don’t respect and value them enough to hear them out, are they really a friend at all?
The digital world SHOULD make it easier than ever to exchange ideas and learn more about issues, yet more people seem less reluctant than ever to do so. The same tools that have the power to open our minds allow us to filter out information that doesn’t support our beliefs. It also allows us to ignore people who see the world differently than we do.
We live in a complex world with complex problems. With easy answers few and far between, the only way our society can make REAL progress on issues affecting us all is to collaborate and share ideas. We can’t get there when we fail to listen and consider other points of view, as well as thoughtfully questioning our own. Is it any wonder why the world is such a mess?
As you head to the polls tomorrow, I hope you remember two things. First, we are privileged to live in a society that encourages us to let our voices be heard. But that privilege comes with a responsibility -- to respect others voices just as you wish to receive respect for yours. Second, and perhaps most importantly, our debate cannot stop simply because of one election outcome. Our continuous progress as a nation requires hard work and tough conversations every day. That’s how problems get solved. Continue the debate and solutions will follow.
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