Sunday Story…political discourse

These days is almost impossible. It seems that having an actual discussion…a give and take, a back and forth based on facts, figures, proof, science, effectiveness, or correctness has disappeared. That discussion has been replaced with intractable positions based on tribalism.

In this discussion, people don’t care about the facts. Facts are not the point at all. The answer is always “no” if the question comes down to changing your mind. You are so bound to your position that you will go to your grave before you free yourself from the mast of self-righteousness.

The subject doesn’t matter. The conflict is what counts and I never want to lose. Changing my mind, shifting my position is losing. And I may lose my tribe if I shift or change so we all go down with the ship.

This is why so many of us refrain from “talking politics” (or religion). There is little or no room for a reasoned exchange of ideas revolving around the facts. And the more things we call “political” the less we have to talk about. And the less opportunity any of us have to learn and grow and understand one another.

We can argue if we want. But if we want to move forward we must be willing to listen. And that means accepting we might have to shift our position.

Tribalism serves the tribe. Serve a bigger ideal.

John Mariotti
www.crossfitodyssey.com
www.sunday-stories.blogspot.com
Coming soon: www.johnmariotti.com
775-338-2412