Polarized Perspectives: Critical Thinking Bridges the Gap
We live in a culture of polar extremes. Opposing points of view often result in conflict that rages and spreads like a plague. A perpetual digging in of one’s heels with no room for considering the merits or lack of around the issue. All or nothing thinking rules the day. Pro Trump, or Anti-Trump, racist or liberal (not my distinction, see Dictionary.com). Good or bad, right or wrong. This paradigm has been around forever. Perhaps it began with “mine or yours” between two cavemen arguing over a bone.
The spread of an all or nothing paradigm robs us of the vast experience of what lies in between. Something about social media lends itself to this polarized way of thinking. Its easy to take sides behind the infinite digital facades. I would propose that what is needed to bridge the gap is critical thinking! That is, examining an idea or concept rationally, honestly, with integrity, humility, and above all with civility. The French philosopher Voltaire expresses this sentiment in his statement, “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to my death your right to say it.” I would add, and the right to discuss it without concern for becoming stereotyped, labeled, or demonized. I was told a number of years ago as I first embarked on earning a Ph.D. it would change the way I looked at the world. Looking back I see what they were trying to let me know.
We become boxed into a specific manner of groupthink that is a snare. If I am a “liberal” then the assumption becomes I am a tree hugging, progressive trying to right the wrongs of current and past generations that oppressed those who have not had a voice in society. If I am a “conservative” then the common attributes are I am pro-life, close minded, a Christian, and based on dictionary.com’s definition of the antonym of a liberal, a racist. Even if either depiction were accurate that would only be a smidgen of all that comprises the identity of me.
For example If I were to claim to believe in the sanctity of life, a consistent view would be to see the life of an unborn child as sacred, but also not support capital punishment. This perspective would require some critical thinking if it were to be maintained and defended in a civil debate. My purpose is not to delve into that argument. Yet the polarized tradition of “if you ain’t with us you are against us” permeates the mindset of either point of view. The topics change, yet the predictable posturing, regardless of political or philosophical belief remains the same.
I find it disappointing that so many are influenced and stand on such one dimensional and myopic outlooks. A character of that ilk would come across as flat in a work of fiction. This feels similar whether the issue is a right or left wing sacred cow. I suppose I am suggesting many out there expressing nothing but piss and vinegar about the “other side” have soured brains. I say that because if I attempt to apply critical thinking on a polarizing issue then I could be ridiculed for “riding the fence” by both sides who only see their point of view in a near-sighted fashion.
The concept of critical thinking can be described in the words of Socrates as, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” A way of expanding on this notion is explained by Linda Elder, author of The Miniature Guide to Critical Thinking: “It is our nature to think. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased, distorted, partial, uninformed or downright prejudiced. Yet the quality of our life, and that of what we produce, make or build depends precisely on the quality of our thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in thought, however, must be systematically cultivated.
So my challenge is to perhaps become a bit more mindful about polarized thinking and how it affects our way of life. To cultivate a truly open mind without an agenda, or all or nothing mindset. I certainly have engaged in polarized patterns of thinking, and likely will again. Sometimes it feels like what keeps one safe. I am learning to become more aware of my shoddy or groupthink tendencies, and as a result I hope to grow.
