Regarding Rhetoric

Social media can sometimes make fools of us all, and we are much worse for the

experience. Using caution and common sense is important when consuming media, especially during an election cycle.

The other day, I was reminded of a good way to deal with the flood of information. I was on a flight, and as the pilot was completing his pre-flight announcements, he closed by saying,, “Be kind to one another.” What a simple, beautiful sentiment!

Yet, in our current social and political climate, some people have forgotten what civil discourse looks and sounds like. Perhaps more importantly, some folks have been duped into thinking that the only way to get a desired political result is through insults, intimidation, and bullying -- tactics we don’t condone or allow in other parts of our lives.

Psychology shows us it’s much easier to hate others when we objectify, dehumanize, and lie about our opponents. Unfortunately, this is an approach the Republican presidential ticket has embraced. They manufacture extreme scenarios to elicit powerful emotional reactions, but their stories have no connection to reality. Statements such as “abortions are allowed up to nine months and even after birth” or “children are getting sex-change operations at school” are wildly damaging untruths. Repeating such misinformation only perpetuates societal dysfunction by creating division and social unrest, and prevents progress and prosperity.

We must

be smarter than the rhetoric, sharper than the political spin doctors, and cleverer than the media pundits. Before you repeat what you just heard or read, ask yourself: Is it true, helpful, necessary, and kind? Compassion and understanding are imperative and will help us to mind the manipulation, gather objective facts, and guard against misinformation, prejudice, and hatred.