This election cycle is challenging for many of us; many of us are increasingly concerned about the selection of candidates and all that’s evolving. So let me start with the stated desire to ratchet it down a notch. One of the most challenging aspects of all discussion — thanks much to the influence of media and especially social media — is that the dialogue begins from a point of being all ratcheted up. I get it; treat my boys or beloved Boilermakers seemingly disrespectfully, and my ratcheting-up-potential rises exponentially, too.
But my point is that we too often start the conversation from an offensive position; we are already prone to pounce before any perspective is shared. It is thus very difficult to engage in dialogue when any of us — self included — are ready to pounce. In fact, I can state with almost all certainty that when we begin conversing from an offensive position, we will not listen well, not find solution, not discern common ground, and the probability is especially high that the only opinion we will affect or change is to assist another in becoming more quickly entrenched in their ongoing oppositional stance. Offensive positions — regardless of intellect — obstruct respectful dialogue and solution.
It is an offensive position to start with malevolent comparisons. For example — as shared in a recent post — many compare current presidential candidate Donald Trump and his rhetoric to Adolf Hitler; he is not. Eight years ago, many compared then presidential candidate Barack Obama and his rhetoric to the anti-Christ; he is not. Yet even as I write this, I’m sensitive to the notion that many will still fully justify one of the above, boldly averring why their comparison is the correct one.
Please know that my desire this day is not to compare Obama and Trump; my thoughts instead center around the comparable reactions of the people to these one-time candidates and the seemingly resulting mob mentality — both for and against them. Eight years ago, there were plenty of people admittedly scared about a possible President Obama; today there are plenty of people admittedly scared about a possible President Trump. I sense a lot of “scared-ness.” There are valid reasons for the concern. There are also groups on all sides that are inflaming the fear. They want us to be scared.
One wise-dialoguing friend shared her perception this week, that “the right is scared of liberals, and the left is scared of conservatives. You aren’t allowed to be independent.” The perception is that if you identify primarily with one party, you cannot have any opinion that strays from the group’s — aka “mob’s” — stated perspective; the group herds us in, almost unknowingly, even with highly intelligent people. That kind of mentality, I fear, existed long before this current election cycle began.
It makes me wonder if in today’s polarized climate, have we lost our independence? Have we numbed our critical thinking skills? Have we been so seduced by passionate partisanship and emotion that we can no longer see any wisdom in another side? Do we not carefully or prayerfully consider that wisdom will never be equated with one person or party’s political platform?
As acknowledged, while I am not scared — primarily because my trust is in someone greater than any candidate — there are multiple aspects regarding each of the persons still running for President this year that concern me; some concern me deeply. What concerns me arguably more than any candidate, however, is the reaction of the people to each candidate… seen, for example…
… in the violence at the Trump rallies last weekend…
… in the intentional inciting of violence by a left wing advocacy group…
… and in the resulting mob mentality.
A “mob mentality” means individuals adopt certain behaviors and beliefs because they are influenced by the groups with which they identify; they may consciously or subconsciously adopt the behavior. Typically in such “mobs,” emotions become heightened, wisdom becomes based on group desire more than actual prudence, and previously unacceptable behaviors become justified…
… such as calling any candidate Hitler… or starting from an offensive position.
Oh, to think this election cycle includes six more months… Time to be on my knees more, wrestle with my concerns, and surrender any “scared-ness”… because no candidate/President thus far is the anti-Christ… and none will ever be mistaken for my Messiah.
Respectfully…
AR