I like the way my cousin gets his young son, Jenner, to try new foods. Quite often, Jenner will refuse food under the notion that he does not or will not like it. When this happens, my cousin will say, "You don't have to eat it, just touch your tongue to it and see if you like it." He usually does.I like that.
The other day, I was chatting with a self-proclaimed picky eater. She talked (bragged really) about not liking to try new foods. Why anyone would brag about being closed-off to trying new tastes is beyond me. Maybe it's because I love flavors and spices and new tastes and crazy creations...but, I think it goes deeper than that.
Beyond a person's willingness to expand their palate, I've noticed this same pattern in the world of politics. I don't consider myself to be politically savvy by any means, but having just taken a Public Policy class (and amidst the impending presidential election), I've noticed my interest peaking.
I have gotten into a few "debates" with friends. (I use the term "debate" loosely, as I am admittedly inept at deep political understanding.) I haven't defended one party, side, presidential candidate, or their trusty running mates. I've mostly just debated with those who have already decided there is no debate - for the sake of expanding their political palates.
I thought I was the only one who got annoyed at this devisive - uh hem, I mean, decisive - attitude we call partisanship. That is, until I read a section in Tucker Carlson's book called Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites last night. He explained his respect and envy for idealogues - for their conviction and whole-hearted belief - but separated this group from what he called "party hacks." He says:
"They annoy me. Being a blind partisan defeats the whole purpose of being an adult. Once you grow up, you're meant to develop your own grown-up opinions about things. You're supposed to disregard what Mommy says and say what you really think. Some people can't handle this. They want to be bossed around and told what to believe. They want to take orders. They're only comfortable expressing preapproved thoughts. Relfexive party loyalty was made for people who miss Mommy's firm hand.
'This would be merely sad if it didn't also breed deception. Partisanship is groupthink, the enemy of truth." (pg 41-42)
Harsh, but I agree. If someone is not willing to even of explore the possibilities that exist outside of a pre-conceived or born-and-bred notion of what is right...how can it be counted as truth?
If you want to know for sure whether or not you like/dislike something, you've got to at least touch your tongue to it first.
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7 comments:
Agree/disagree? Offended?
First reaction - sometimes people have already thoroughly thought through their views so by the time they're "debating" them with a friend they have some grounding for being "partisan" as you say, which is, also, a necessary part of becoming/being an adult: knowing what you believe and why, and willingly defending it even if it isn't popular, even amoungst your friends. It might be the harder route when it means taking criticism for it, but it should not be discounted as immature or narrow minded when there is an established conviction of truth - especially as I believe is the case here.
I'm sensing the development of a post-modern mentality in where some of these criticisms are going, as in, "you should be open minded because I am open minded, and if you're not open-minded, then you are wrong and I'm right". It becomes self-defeating.
Guess that's it for now; again, first thoughts, and it behoove me to read your post a second time later and let my thoughts settle.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jess.
Not offering a serious comment on this, but what I find so ironic about the Carlson quote is that he (and colleague Begala) were so vehemently and effectively chastised on their old show Crossfire for being nothing more than partisan hacks, by, of all people, Jon Stewart. The critique was so withering that it led to the show's cancellation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmj6JADOZ-8
hmmm... my first comment didn't publish - weird.
i was just thinking: yes, i agree, jess. it's important to be constantly learning and integrating new information into our paradigms. i want to add new thoughts - now in response to the last comment. :)
of course we should have some understanding of what our rational thought, experiences in life, and knowledge of the truth mean - how do those things practically impact the way i live / the way i think the world should be constructed. however, so few of those things fall under the category of what i think of as "necessary truths" and really are more "opinions" or "options" that can change and should change over time as we live and gather more info. i know i've changed my few several times since i was all of 12 and learned about politics for the first time.
anyway - my other comment from before was that i thought it amusing that Tucker Carlson would articulate that point given that is personality and most of his $$ comes from trying to tell people to think his thoughts / tote his party line... maybe he's growing too ;)
I agree with Carlson... "blind partisanship" is a problem which can & does affect all of us during elections for offices and issues. Although "myjamesway" may himself be versed in all things politic because he takes the time to consider the options, I think he gives his partisan friends way too much credit for doing the same amount of research and thought. He may be an independent thinker, but that's not a trait shared by the "blind partisans"... they are more into pep rallys.
We are still basically a 2-party system, and the only benefit we enjoy from that is each keeps the other from steamrolling over the country with their partisan ideas.
By the way, I agree with "luke"... Carlson was very partisan on his show. The question is... was he a blind partisan ?
I agree with myjamesway. It's my experience that most people I talk to about politics have looked into and ivestegated the issues at hand and not just the party itself. Until a few years ago, I wasn't even sure what exactly Republican and Democratic meant. I just knew that my worldview tended to be more like the Republicans. This is the first race that I've actually been excited about and have really been following up on. I look at the issues now and how the candidates stand on certain policies. As an adult, I am able to draw my own conclusion as to what I believe to be in the best interest of our country (and my parents definitely attributed to my belief system, but by no means do they didctate my opinion or vote). I am able to decide myself, after looking into both sides, that I do not agree with wealth distribution, a weaker Armed Forces, aborting babies, etc. I think for a lot of people their strong belief system sways them to a certain "party", so therefore they come across "closed minded", when indeed they are well away where both candidates stand on the issues that are important to this great country :)
Hi Jess,
I just found your blog through your facebook status. :)
I agree that blind partisanship can be a very misleading thing. Unfortunately I think it plays a prominent role in our country because our political system and the decisions it makes are complicated. Do you vote on a single issue (pro-life/pro-choice, pro/anti death penalty, gun control, etc) or on the candidate whose economic policies are more aligned with your personal needs/world view? Or maybe just the party your parents supported? I think people often get caught up in issues and forget to consider their daily lives.
For instance, I am in a PhD program at a state school. I have a federally funded fellowship. The other day one of my colleagues (with similar funding) was going on and on about wealth re-distribution, without realize that her ability to attend school and the very school she attends are dependent upon...wealth re-distribution. I enjoy driving on roads paid with taxpayer money, going to school, being protected by the police, receiving mail...all things accomplished by "wealth re-distribution" (commonly known as taxes). In fact, having lived in a country with virtually no taxation and a correspondingly horrible infrastructure for awhile, I fully support taxation. Now I'm not saying that there is a single way to vote on this issue, but surely think about the hand that feeds you before you start chomping away.
In other words, I do my best to educate myself about the issues directly relevant to my life and vote accordingly.
Nice blog!
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