Ahhh, facts, where have you gone? Remember those “weapons” you used to solve a disagreement with your buddies?
Remember back in the day, when a disagreement would lead to friendly discussion, then (usually) lead to an acceptable resolution. Imagine, no shootings, stabbings, fistfights, persecution or social shaming of anyone. Imagine issues being resolved, where all sides “listen,” as each presents his or her position supported by “facts.” Major issues such as who bats first or who has to play right field were actually solved. If Billy proved he played there last game, then everyone agreed it was someone else’s turn.
Imagine living in a world where this all actually happened. Discussion, debate, point, counterpoint, resolution.
Today we have media- fed zombies ranting back and forth with spoon-fed talking points. When everyone has their own set of facts, then do facts even exist? “I’ll have an order of made-up baloney that makes me feel good, please.”
Psychologist William James said, “as a rule, we disbelieve all the facts for which we have no use.” I suppose then facts only matter if they are accepted. Today, often one’s feelings trump facts, thus final resolution is evasive. So the battles rage on with no end in sight.
Perhaps our schools need to bring back debate clubs to teach the missing skills of listening, discussing and resolving disagreements.
Or just bring back “rock, paper, scissors, best of 3 … 5 … 7 … .”
Tim Kaczmarek
Natrona Heights