Are we capable today of having an unfiltered and (importantly) constructive discussion on the issues facing New Zealand and the wider world, and possible solutions to these?
It seems to me that much of the debate these days revolves around party politics, particular ideological causes, and personal crusades. Too often, the loudest or most entertaining commentators get a majority of the attention (in the news and social media), while those more moderate (and perhaps more thought out?) opinions get down voted by both sides, or worse, ignored.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having particular affiliations – with parties, causes, etc. – but people seem increasingly unable or unwilling to acknowledge (let alone understand) other people’s points of view. So we (the public) tend to just argue loudly and angrily about things without looking for a compromise or a win-win solution. Politicians reinforce this, by tending to position themselves at either end of the spectrum (and by disagreeing publicly with everything their opponent says, even when they may with it privately).
Perhaps our narrow-mindedness is partly the result of our social media bubbles; where we tend to only see information that reinforces our existing point of view. Though this isn’t a new phenomenon, humans have always had a filtered view of the world.
The thing that worries me, is that people (myself included) seem to be afraid of expressing their true opinion, or even just an unformed idea, if they think it may offend or be misinterpreted by their peers. In the past, people could disagree on something, and still be mates. Today, it seems that disagreements over issues such as the environment, poverty, gender and ethnic equality, economic growth, foreign relations, etc., will cause irrevocable damage to relationships with friends, family, and ‘the internet’. People therefore prefer to toe the line of whatever is acceptable in their social circle, rather than put forward their true opinion.
This worries me because, if we can’t have an open and unfiltered discussion on the key issues we are facing, what chance do we have of coming up with a solution that benefits more than whichever side has the slightest majority or greater political influence?
So, can we have an unfiltered discussion; where we put express our true (perhaps only partially formed) views on issues, even when they may piss off people we care about (or ‘the internet)? And can we have a constructive and respectful dialogue with those with which we disagree, to come to a solution that will benefit all New Zealanders (and maybe even non-NZers – cause they’re people to!)?
I think (probably) not. But I remain hopeful.
This is why I have started this blog; to provide a forum for discussing important, complex, and contentious issues with fellow kiwis (and others), in an unfiltered, but (hopefully) constructive way. Topics which I would like, over time, to discuss with you include:
- the environment (battle of the farmers vs. the greenies)
- poverty reduction/elimination (battle of the evil people vs. the normal people – seriously, I don’t know who is supposedly in support of poverty…)
- gender equality (women vs. misogynistic men)
- ethnic equality (everyone vs. white people)
- and I’m sure a lot of other random ideas.
This whole thing relies on you (if there is anybody there). Without your contribution, this is just another commentator voicing their opinion. I’m ok with that… But I would rather have a real dialogue.