Political Climate
To characterize the American political process, the rise of disrespect, even hatred, displayed by those who disagree on matters of religion or politics is perhaps the most ominous development. Some characterize this as a decline in civility, but it is more than that. The attribution of ill will or a lack of patriotism to one's opponents bespeaks a loss of faith in our ability to listen to, learn from, and compromise with each other. Ignorance, anger, and fear are co-existing traits that have come to distort the public discourse leading to all manner of conspiracy theories and delusional beliefs.
Nature itself is intolerant of stupidity. If you are disoriented in the wilderness or lost at sea, survival depends on an ability to navigate and find food. We may be insulated from such harsh reality by the conveniences of modern life and the proximity of the nearby supermarket. But we are still in danger of losing our way individually and as a society if we lose the capacity to listen to each other and act in a way that benefits all.
An honest politician has become an oxymoron. The worst form of dishonesty, hypocrisy, is at once an object of our contempt and accepted as an occupational hazard among those who would deceive us for power or profit. The widespread cynicism that this reality produces undermines the trust essential to any political system that depends on the consent of the governed.
Courage begins with understanding. If we learned to be more honest with ourselves about our strengths and our failings, perhaps we would be in a position to demand more from those we choose to lead us. We are all fallible and none of us is selfless. No one has all the answers and we all deserve tolerance for our shortcomings. But we need to be as truthful with ourselves as we can be so that we can demand honesty and forbearance from those we select to make decisions about the common good.
in Lifelines
Psychology Today
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