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the death of reason
Aug. 17th, 2009 08:27 pmHow is it as a nation we claim to value education and reason, but what we ultimately listen to are extremes? Why is stridency and shouting rewarded over discussion and calm voices? How come all-or-nothing wins so much over compromise that accomplishes something?
Even finding the language of reason is difficult after a while. I've always preferred someone who can explain what they mean in a calm tone, without losing their temper, who'll in return listen to what I have to say. Except lately. In the past few years, I've grown increasingly agitated - especially politically, but it's certainly not limited to that - and if not incapable, then at least uncaring, of maintaining a reasoned attitude. Part of this is genuine feeling that what I'm addressing isn't reasonable and therefore, it's difficult to discuss as such.
For example, what's the reasonable way to say that I think trying to placate the far right and treating them as if they make up the bulk of the Republican Party is like going back to an abusive boyfriend after he's beaten you for the tenth time - and apologizing for provoking him? What's the reasonable way of saying that I hope I'm not stupid/dumb/lazy/mean/incompetent enough to lose yet another job, so that I don't lose my health insurance again? I suppose I haven't come that far in reversing the damage to my health from the last six years that I didn't have any, but I am trying, making my co-pays, and would hate to see all of it negated. And I'm told that any decent employer will offer health insurance - but in the same breath I'm told how hard it is for the little businessman to make ends meet if he's forced to buy his employees health insurance. Is there a reasonable way to present the dichotomy of that?
Tell me, my reasonable friends, how one regains their equilibrium and holds a reasoned, adult, sensible conversation with people who may not be that way. How do I go from being a frustrated raver back to a calm participant in genuine debate that leads somewhere?
Even finding the language of reason is difficult after a while. I've always preferred someone who can explain what they mean in a calm tone, without losing their temper, who'll in return listen to what I have to say. Except lately. In the past few years, I've grown increasingly agitated - especially politically, but it's certainly not limited to that - and if not incapable, then at least uncaring, of maintaining a reasoned attitude. Part of this is genuine feeling that what I'm addressing isn't reasonable and therefore, it's difficult to discuss as such.
For example, what's the reasonable way to say that I think trying to placate the far right and treating them as if they make up the bulk of the Republican Party is like going back to an abusive boyfriend after he's beaten you for the tenth time - and apologizing for provoking him? What's the reasonable way of saying that I hope I'm not stupid/dumb/lazy/mean/incompetent enough to lose yet another job, so that I don't lose my health insurance again? I suppose I haven't come that far in reversing the damage to my health from the last six years that I didn't have any, but I am trying, making my co-pays, and would hate to see all of it negated. And I'm told that any decent employer will offer health insurance - but in the same breath I'm told how hard it is for the little businessman to make ends meet if he's forced to buy his employees health insurance. Is there a reasonable way to present the dichotomy of that?
Tell me, my reasonable friends, how one regains their equilibrium and holds a reasoned, adult, sensible conversation with people who may not be that way. How do I go from being a frustrated raver back to a calm participant in genuine debate that leads somewhere?
