We all have our favorite news sources, which tend to be the ones we agree with. It’s also easy and popular do dismiss news sources with differing views from our own, as evidenced by name calling such as Faux news in place of Fox news, or the proliferation of hate groups, such as “Bill O’Reilly is an idiot” or what have you. These things are a problem; allow my to explain why.
As was pointed out, we have a tendency to watch news sources that are biased towards our own points of view. This makes things easy doesn’t it? We can cheer as our pre-conceived notions are being validated quickly and easily, and we don’t have to do much thinking. We let the pundits do it for us. There have been studies done that show that the more we listen and pay attention to one viewpoint, the more we feel validated and correct in our opinions. However is this the honest thing to do?
I would like to challenge you with this: Good, strong, valid arguments are not formed by having our own views reinforced by others with the same view. Good science shows us that the best way to be right about something is to try really hard to disprove the thing, rather than prove it. Good use of logic says the same. Having this in mind, is there not value in listening to and understanding all sides of an argument, thinking carefully about it and then forming an opinion?
It troubles me that so many of us end up on a side, usually from our life experiences and influence from parents, church, teachers or other significant people from early on in life. We fight desperately to cling to these views and to believe they are valid, no matter what the means. I submit that the best way to strengthen a view or belief is to challenge it. Listen to all sides with an open mind and carefully consider the evidence and argument presented to you. You have nothing to fear, because if you were right in your previous assessment, your point of view will only be strengthened by carefully examining it armed with consideration of all arguments and biases. This is how you become an independent thinker, rather than beholden to one political party’s view.
Take all sides into consideration. Think carefully about these things, and enjoy your ability to defend your well considered position to all comers. Enjoy your status with your peers as an independent, careful thinker. These independent thinkers are not the ones who hate the faces on the other side. They don’t call names. They spend more time defending carefully thought out truth than trying to criticize those who don’t agree. That is a waste of time and energy.
All of this takes effort and I think it is much easier for people to listen to someone else and let them form our thoughts and opinions for us. That is lazy. Do your own thinking, listen to what all have to say. You’ll be a better informed citizen. Watch the ego too, it can get in the way.
