Emotions are running high this election. Facebook is burning up with heated conversations of family members and friends. I’ve noticed a dangerous pattern within my conservative circle of friends and family – that is the utter tenacity to cling to untruths. I have struggled immensely trying to understand this mindset.
One of the things I observed is that many come back with the statement, “You can have your opinions, I’ll have mine.” This is true. The problem is that I am not disagreeing with their opinion. Neither am I offering my own (most of the time). I am merely setting the record straight with the truth.
I offer to read any books, links, or resources they would recommend so that I can research on my own, “You know, in all my readings I hadn’t read anything that says…so I’d love to read what you have.” After all, I am forever posting links to Mother Jones, CSM, and The Guardian. I do so hoping that they are read and I am willing to return the gesture. I almost never get anything back. (As a side note, this tactic has been a goldmine of information. When those who take me up on the challenge do send me something, I find some amazing….ly insane information out there).
No matter what tactic I took it didn’t matter. They cling to their misinformation adamantly. Recently, one person sent a very enlightening remark. “I don’t care!”
There it was. The light bulb went on for me. There are people out there who just don’t care. It doesn’t matter what the truth is, it doesn’t matter where the benefit lies, they just don’t care.
“Okay,” I thought, “I suppose that’s one way of choosing to handle the truth.” But then I considered it further and I came to realize that choosing not to care poses a serious threat to the greatness our country has achieved and it highly reduces any ability for us to be greater still.
Not caring about the truth strips us of the ability to reason and robs us of our capacity to grow again. How can we plan for a better future for our children if we deny the reality of that future? There can be no compromise on vital issues such as balancing our need for oil versus the need to keep our planet healthy if many of our citizens just “don’t care!” How can we keep our government accountable if a great deal of its voters just “don’t care!”
The bottom line is this: when one side of the table doesn’t care about the truth, there can be no discussion. No discussion means no moving forward, no progress, no growth. Zip, zero, nothing. The conservative mantra of “I DON”T CARE” about the truth is one of the most detrimental ideas to happen to our nation. It is blatantly robbing us of our ability to be great. In all sincerity and passion, I hope they come to care about that.
Be Well,
Frankie
October 29th, 2012 at 19:56
Great article Frankie, I will share it with many. I consistently run into the same problem, it is infuriating. I think it speaks to an ideological divide that is at a point of inflection, hopefully for the better.
A light tends to burn brightest just before it goes dim and/or out.
October 29th, 2012 at 20:49
thanks gary! and an excellent analogy one thing i didn’t address in the article though since it occurred to me later…any ideas how we can address this and open minds…i mean is it possible to diplomatically say to some one that their obstinance is detrimental to them and everyone else?….
October 30th, 2012 at 02:49
I think the topic is complicated and will have to address the manifestation of fear, trust and objectivity. This is truly at the core of the issue.
October 30th, 2012 at 04:00
you are right about the fear issue…in checking out some of the links i’ve received, the promulgation of fear is a common denominator.
October 29th, 2012 at 20:53
thanks gary! and an excellent analogy….one thing i didn’t discuss in the article since it didn’t occur to me earlier is this: how can we open up a conversation with people of this mindset and diplomatically state that their obstinance is detrimental to our nation?