We're at a weird point in history, where people immediately write off ideas simply because a person (or group) they don't like said them. It's silly and childish...
Thanks, this is a thoughtful piece that raises good issues. Particularly when it comes to things that are politically or otherwise contentious, a lot of people have a tendency to disregard information that comes from the other side, regardless of its veracity.
There are a couple of reasons that I think this tends to happen that present real challenges for truth seekers.
One is that it is simply a lot of work, and for sufficiently complex subject matter, perhaps beyond the scope of the average person, to verify a claim. The other is the trustworthiness of a source. In a lot of heated discussions, people are inclined to present facts in the very best light for their side, while disregarding points that might favor the other side. Put together, these put a real burden on the individual to get things right. And I think, for that reason, they tend to fall back into accepting things that align with those they know and trust.
Doing the work to know what is true is often more work than people are able to do. This is one reason why failures in academia, journalism and governmental reporting are so damaging.
Personally, I have a hard time believing anything I hear and only half of what I see. Most of the "sources" are just a bunch of narcissistic hacks posing as journalists. I can't get the truth no matter the source. Everyone has an opinion, and I can't find the truth. So, for me, except for this post, I'll just keep my mouth shut and pray that God gives me some insight and discernment.
Excellent take. I don't know what happened to a good discussion based of the facts. Everything has become so politicized. You can't even ask questions about something scientific without being accused of being part of some maniac crowd. It's to the point that I don't even bother.
I like this. I strive to evaluate statements and assertions on their merits (with less than 100% success). Yet, there are times when it comes from sources known to be biased or full of shit, I, like many, have a hard time not going "what? stop!". That said, I'll continue to work on it. But, those that state mistruths or are overconfident in their takes bear some responsibility for the biases audiences have against them. Tricky, for sure!
Thanks, this is a thoughtful piece that raises good issues. Particularly when it comes to things that are politically or otherwise contentious, a lot of people have a tendency to disregard information that comes from the other side, regardless of its veracity.
There are a couple of reasons that I think this tends to happen that present real challenges for truth seekers.
One is that it is simply a lot of work, and for sufficiently complex subject matter, perhaps beyond the scope of the average person, to verify a claim. The other is the trustworthiness of a source. In a lot of heated discussions, people are inclined to present facts in the very best light for their side, while disregarding points that might favor the other side. Put together, these put a real burden on the individual to get things right. And I think, for that reason, they tend to fall back into accepting things that align with those they know and trust.
Doing the work to know what is true is often more work than people are able to do. This is one reason why failures in academia, journalism and governmental reporting are so damaging.
Personally, I have a hard time believing anything I hear and only half of what I see. Most of the "sources" are just a bunch of narcissistic hacks posing as journalists. I can't get the truth no matter the source. Everyone has an opinion, and I can't find the truth. So, for me, except for this post, I'll just keep my mouth shut and pray that God gives me some insight and discernment.
Excellent take. I don't know what happened to a good discussion based of the facts. Everything has become so politicized. You can't even ask questions about something scientific without being accused of being part of some maniac crowd. It's to the point that I don't even bother.
I like this. I strive to evaluate statements and assertions on their merits (with less than 100% success). Yet, there are times when it comes from sources known to be biased or full of shit, I, like many, have a hard time not going "what? stop!". That said, I'll continue to work on it. But, those that state mistruths or are overconfident in their takes bear some responsibility for the biases audiences have against them. Tricky, for sure!
Thanks the comment Alex -as you say, not easy, but important work for all of us
I'm very imperfect, but I'm not overconfident and I like to work on my weak points. That is all I can do! Be well!
you're so close to Bingo. when you realize most of your complaints originate from the left, things start to make sense. keep going.
I am very apolitical creature as you know Ryan and just wish to get at reality