Keep an Open Mind

I see and hear distorted facts everywhere. Keeping an open mind is close to impossible living in a world filled with disinformation. But how can you grow with a view that will not even consider different perspectives?

I might be looking at the past through the distorted memory of a child of the 50’s. My young mind might have missed it. Maybe it has always been this way and I just didn’t realize it. I don’t know. But I remember a time when I believed everything said on TV news was a true representation of the facts of the story. There was no political slant. There was no disguised or hidden agenda. We were given the facts. Then we were able to make up our own minds.

Accuracy was so imperative to newscasters, TV stations made a point to correct something they broadcast in error. “We apologize. We reported blah, blah, blah. We were not correct. Here, to set the record straight, is our national news anchor.” Then they would tell the story with corrected facts. Things have changed. People press the limits of the First Amendment saying anything they choose–even when they know what they are saying is wrong. They freely lie. Though video might exist of their misinterpretation, it is unlikely they will ever be challenged with it. If they are, they can just refuse to comment!

Social media and the mainstream media thrive when groups of people get pissed off by the opinions of others. Journalism, where unbiassed information is presented for the benefit of everyone, is gone. Facts are omitted so political points can be made. Soundbites are taken out of context. Politicians are cheered by their side as they fight like children. The more outrageous their actions, the more viewers tune in. Our media thrives on conflict. One person makes a controversial comment and people are compelled to respond. Just like people are drawn in and gawk as they drive by a car wreck. They’ve got to see the damage– the emergency vehicles, sirens blaring, lights flashing. Controversy is just as magnetic–people are drawn to it too! It gets more clicks and more viewers. It’s about money. Who would you guess coined the phrase, “must see TV?” A producer at NBC!

Indoctrination Run Amuck

It’s easy to become indoctrinated, and hold only the views of one side of the controversy in your heart. As you use social media or watch TV you will find commentators you completely disagree with. You decide the entire platform is filled with views from the opposing side, so you choose never to tune into that channel or log into that platform again. You seek information that confirms what you believe. You watch and think, “Yes!” when your views are shared and verbalized by the commentator. You feel good when they agree with you. The more you expose yourself to only that side of the controversy, the more you believe your viewpoint is the only right way to look at things.

Want an example? Imagine two groups inhabit a small island. Group A lives on the west and Group B lives on the east. Both groups struggle to survive. Group A goes to their favorite area to find food, but they realize Group B got there first and all the food is gone. A hatred develops. 

Imagine a boat lost at sea, and the lone survivor comes ashore on the west side of that island. Group A finds the survivor and takes them in. Over time, as the survivor becomes acclimated to the group, that survivor will begin to take on the views of the group. Without ever meeting anyone from Group B, without any direct interaction, the survivor will develop the same hatred for the people of Group B that the rest of Group A displays. The survivor becomes indoctrinated.

I am more interested in politics now than any time in my life. I vote. I strive to maintain an open mind. I watch CNN on TV. I record The View. I watch Fox News and record Sean Hannity. I can see a story on one platform and it seems like a totally different story on the other platform. But I’m not blinded by a closed mind that only sees half of the picture. Instead of digesting what one side spoon feeds its audience, I look for value.

Read the First Amendment. Understand it! Both sides offer some value. Both sides lie too. Resist the temptation to only see half of the picture. If you refuse to see the other side, limit voicing your opinions in public. If you lock yourself to one side, there will always be someone there ready to fight you. Instead–Keep an open mind!