As we engage with each other, especially in a global sphere through the internet, we interact with people from different tribes, cultures, groups, and environments. And one thing I have noticed is that there seems to be a disregard for facts or factual information when engaging with one another.
It has become very difficult to reach a consensus with a person of a different tribe, gender, country, or race. Even when either party presents factual information to the fore of whatever discussion they may have.
This has gotten me to realize that facts do not really matter in this modern world.
Even if you can present a literal study or scientific proof, the other person will always rebut that as an untrue fact or point. Raising questions such as "Who did the research study", "Where was it published", "When was it published", "What gender were the researchers", and "What race is the person who did the study", and so forth.
All these questions will be followed by some sort of a statement that points either to a specific agenda or that the presented evidence was done many years ago which the other party then quantifies as unfactual and irrelevant.
The ignorance that comes with denying facts is guided by one issue - the Political Identity of a specific group.
We have a sense of identity within ourselves, we belong to certain tribes, groups, and cultures. Others that we identify with are never wrong and our "group" is the correct one irrespective of who says what. This is the mentality that modern political identity has gotten into. For example, if a female is debating a male, she may make it a point that no matter what the other says or presents as facts, she will denounce it. Vice versa.
No matter how factual the other party may be. Because the identity of a group has become paramount over everything, nothing the other party will say will get accepted, no matter how true it is. Even when the facts prove so. But because of the group identity and the beliefs one belongs to, they reject them at all costs.
It has even gotten a term, it is now called "folding".
Meaning I should not "fold" from my standpoint, no matter how irrational or wrong I may be. I and my group are right irrespective of whatever facts the next person may present. This is the tragedy of political identity in this modern world.
The group and its beliefs supersede any other group. And anything that differs from the group is heavily stumped down, no matter how true it may be.
This breeds irrationality and emotionality in every aspect of our lives. To be liked and be seen as the "good guy" or "good girl" that "gets it". You have to be more emotional in whatever engagement you get into.
Essentially meaning you must use your emotions more than your rationality.
The act of bringing facts and engaging at a rational level that will bring efficient realistic conclusions no longer applies. What applies is that you have to be "understanding" of the other groups POV's, beliefs, and standpoints. If you disagree and bring about facts about any of the group's beliefs as factually incorrect or not right. You would basically be declaring yourself as an enemy to the group.
And all this has made me realize that in today's world, facts do not matter. Which is a shame and a sad reality. One's group identity (tribe, nationality, culture, and gender) shall never be argued against using facts. We are at a point where what matters is how we discuss issues using our emotions and not our rationality - which is guided by facts.
The more you use your emotional faculty in structuring or presenting your ideas, the more chances you have of having the next person hear you out. Particularly if the next person is of a different group or different standpoint from yours.
Which is an unfortunate reality we find ourselves in today.
Comments