Politics is a dirty word. Should our summer be a politics-free zone? 38% of respondents in a recent Peak online survey thought so.
I would like to suggest that maybe the way we discuss these issues with friends and family should change rather than be avoided in this technological era.
You have probably heard the old saying, “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company.”
The rise of the internet, and especially social media, has undeniably changed the way we discuss these issues and how we converse. There are risks and unforeseen consequences that arise when we choose to get our news and information online rather than from more local sources.
Online algorithms tailor your experience of the web. They suggest websites you like, new friends with similar interests, and products that fit your “online identity.” Consequently, we can all develop a more tailored bias by never hearing the other side of the conversation. If you are a left-wing thinker, you will be pushed further left. If you are more right wing, then leftist ideas are removed from your feed.
While a bird and a plane have wings, is it not the space between that is important? The centre is important.
We are living in a time of polarization, of divides between people. One needs only look south to see a prime example of a growing divide worsening. We can do better, we must do better.
Humans are social creatures, and there is so many more tools with which to understand one another than simply words on a screen.
Summer is when we get the opportunity to meet with our friends and neighbours, and enjoy each other’s company. These are opportunities to learn, hear and better understand each other. Just remember to be civil to each other, to listen, to share ideas, to not be offended with ideas you don’t agree with. Try and be receptive to new information. Expand on ideas that are important to you; challenge yourself.
Everyone, including our candidates for the fall elections, will be out and about in the community this summer. Do we push to be more divided? More left, or more right? Do we promote a divided municipal council or a marginalized regional board? That is becoming far too common and it undermines the effectiveness of good governance.
Let us try and promote balance and moderation. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Work with your neighbours and friends to discuss what matters to you. Take the time to listen and find the middle ground.
The politically themed conversations we have this summer are all the more important because we are fewer than three months away from an election. On October 20 we go to the polls to elect local representatives for both the municipality and regional district.
Right now we have an opportunity to meet with our friends and neighbours. This is important not just for the next four years, but for future generations.
Mark Gisborne is a Powell River area resident.
