I Blame Talk Radio

This is a post that's been rattling around in my head for some time. If you just read my blog for the baby/family stuff stop here. :)

I, and most people I know, noticed something ugly happening in the most recent election. Not just among the candidates but among average people. The problem was twofold -- First a closed-mindedness that was like an impenetrable wall, and second a new low of rudeness and vitriol. It didn't just flip on like a light switch (It's been coming for a while) but I have really noticed it recently.

In my own short memory I'm certain that I can recall times that it was easier to have a sensible discussion about politics. When a point was proven, the incorrect party conceded the point. When it was debated it was just that -- debated. There was a certain level of respect for truth and for people who felt differently than you. Now it seems nearly impossible to find that kind of respectful discussion between parties who disagree.

I blame talk radio.

Talk radio has become a world unto itself, passing on incorrect information with such dogma it becomes almost sacrilegious to question it, supporting opinions by the strength of conviction rather than the certainty of evidence. Worst of all, it is a world in which rudeness and disrespect are highly valued and gentle, respectful dialogue is seen as weak or even inherently dishonest.

I remember when Rush Limbaugh was as edgy as it got, coining the degrading term "feminazi" (did he start the trend of calling anyone with whom we disagree a Nazi, or did he just continue it?) and oversimplifying complicated topics to make himself sound like the only reasonable person in America. Then someone wrote a book about him being a "big, fat idiot." Not the best way to raise the level of respect in the dialogue. Now it's gone way past that. People love to watch people who have no tolerance for anyone who sees things differently than they do. Someone in the industry has learned that the more sarcastic and outlandish the character, the more listeners or viewers he/she gains, so it's getting worse all the time. And it's infecting the general public faster than the swine flu. You can almost hear the revered talk show host in a person's mannerisms and dialogue.

I'm one who believes in the power of genuine debate to educate those involved as well as those watching or listening. I thought that was a very American value to hold. We used to pride ourselves on giving everyone a chance to be heard, didn't we?

We have already suffered because of losing sight of this value, and we will suffer more. A person looking for evidence for her own existing opinion rather than real information will always be ignorant, and an ignorant public is a dangerous thing.

So my vote is for everyone to do three things:
1. Seek out genuine information about important issues(I use www.voanews.com, www.factcheck.org and www.politifact.com frequently)
2. Stop listening to talk radio! and
3. Engage in kind and respectful political discussions that use evidence rather than attack as the primary means of communication.

That's where I stand. I feel better now. :)