We have all heard the old adage that in polite company one should avoid two topics: religion and politics. And this advice resonates with us because these two topics involve deeply held beliefs and values. In fact, discussion seems downright dangerous – a palpable threat not only to social civility and harmony, but also to self-esteem. Every time we discuss religion or politics we end up feeling both inadequate and vulnerable. Inadequate – because we care so much and yet seem so unable to make a case that persuades others. Vulnerable – because we value peace and harmony, but also because in our inability to persuade we are also admittedly ill-prepared to defend and justify our own beliefs. Inadequate and vulnerable – we all live there.
When the topics are discussed it is readily evident how little communication there is when there is no common (the root word of communication). Watch the news for example (Fox if you are a conservative, MSNBC is you are a liberal, CNN if you are a mix). Have you ever heard anyone say “wow – good point! I think I need to re-think my position”? Political debates are the same. They are not really debates at all, just a series of adversarial pronouncements designed to comfort the faithful and denigrate the opposition. Religious debates are the same. I have watched a number of debates between atheists and believers. Same pattern. Same result. Both sides cheering. Both sides victorious. Both sides pretty darn superior, smug, and dismissive. Both sides are a tribe.
But we love our peeps – our tribes. So good to be with like minded people. Wonderful! And so we love modern technology. The internet and Cable TV make it possible to filter our consumption of news and opinion and entertainment to align with and undergird our Tribe (worldview) as well as our tastes. In this election season I have made it a habit to watch the big three (CNN,MSNBC, and Fox) in rotation. At any given time (try it) they are nominally talking about the same story or topic. However, they do so looking through very different lenses and belief systems. Critical assumptions and beliefs lie at the foundation of both the liberal and conservative Tribes and they are so deeply ingrained and taken for granted that they are rarely talked about explicitly. There is no need, the network is designed for a Tribe and the Tribe understands. Transgender people and water closets are now the hot topic. Each of the Tribes are up in arms. It is a philosophical battle ground staked out regarding human identity, freedom, and rights. But these words, although sounding the same, have different definitions for each tribe. So it is another divided and polarized tract of land. A war zone. Fought over by tribes (labeled by adversaries for easy identification): Blue and Red. Conservative and Progressive. Open minded and closed. Haters and Lovers, Believers and Pagans. 1% and 99%, Privileged and Oppressed, Moral and Immoral, . . .
. . Religion and politics. Essential and important topics – but deeply isolating.
So – why would I dare to blog about these kind of topics? It would seem there is no winning. But doesn’t there need to be a respectful dialog if we are to be a civilized society? By that I mean a society that can have essential unity while allowing for and respecting differences. I am sure we would all say yes. But it is an increasing challenge to identify and keep the common core that can and should unite us. Without that core we will just keep dividing, separating, and isolating. It really seems we are losing that common core.
So in this blog I will rush in where polite company warns away. But I will strive to do so in a respectful and thoughtful manner that focuses on common values and seek ways of creating connections rather than isolation.
All for now – Will
