These epithets (Nazi, racist, fascist, etc.) can be pretty frustrating. It has frequently been said that ad hominem is the last refuge of the man who is losing the argument. Groupthink is equally frustrating. It does seem clear, however, that this behavior is not exclusive to any one group. Turn on fox, they’ll talk about the groupthink on the left, turn on MSNBC, they’ll talk about the groupthink on the right. Both sides, of course, turn a blind eye to the groupthink among their own tribe. This is part of the nature of all groups, regardless of the doctrine. The selection process tends to not favor those who have the courage to be critical of the group to which they belong. So those on the right will shout: “communists!” (juxtaposing a picture of Obama with a picture of Chairman Mao) and those on the left will shout: “racists!” (juxtaposing a picture of Trump with a picture of Adolf Hitler), everyone will cry foul, not realizing that they have more in common with their adversaries than they thought they did.
But I also have a distaste for the “both sides are the same” mentality when it comes to politics. It's clear that the left has been far worse when it comes to the issue of freedom of speech. So again, I agree with you.
It would be nice, however, if some of those first amendment loving conservatives would say something about the fact that our kids start their day in public schools pledging allegiance to the flag -- “one nation under God”. (Talk about groupthink). It seems to me that this is a clear violation of the establishment clause. Ironically the anti “big Government” crowd are often the ones who seem to have the strongest affinity for the “pledge”.
Also, “love it or leave it” has come back into fashion now that “their guy” is in power. A stark contrast with the “dissent-is-the-highest-form-of-patriotism” sentiment they had when Obama was president.
I don’t want to straw-man you here. I know that you don’t fall into this category. But I do think it is important to be critical of ALL groups. What better way to prove that you are not under the spell of groupthink.
Great comment, Tim. I’m putting that in next issue of The AD. It would make a good essay, if lengthened. Is the Pledge still done in grammar schools? Good point on both groups! I am an atheist, so clearly do not enjoy the constant evocation of God by the right-wingers. It does, however, seem from my observations that the left has really gone wacky with ad hominem, far more than the right. It is a constant RACIST bellowing. Also, communism is alive and will and seems like it will be a persistent threat to freedom until it finally wins out. And I do think it will win out eventually. T
These epithets (Nazi, racist, fascist, etc.) can be pretty frustrating. It has frequently been said that ad hominem is the last refuge of the man who is losing the argument. Groupthink is equally frustrating. It does seem clear, however, that this behavior is not exclusive to any one group. Turn on fox, they’ll talk about the groupthink on the left, turn on MSNBC, they’ll talk about the groupthink on the right. Both sides, of course, turn a blind eye to the groupthink among their own tribe. This is part of the nature of all groups, regardless of the doctrine. The selection process tends to not favor those who have the courage to be critical of the group to which they belong. So those on the right will shout: “communists!” (juxtaposing a picture of Obama with a picture of Chairman Mao) and those on the left will shout: “racists!” (juxtaposing a picture of Trump with a picture of Adolf Hitler), everyone will cry foul, not realizing that they have more in common with their adversaries than they thought they did.
ReplyDeleteBut I also have a distaste for the “both sides are the same” mentality when it comes to politics. It's clear that the left has been far worse when it comes to the issue of freedom of speech. So again, I agree with you.
It would be nice, however, if some of those first amendment loving conservatives would say something about the fact that our kids start their day in public schools pledging allegiance to the flag -- “one nation under God”. (Talk about groupthink). It seems to me that this is a clear violation of the establishment clause. Ironically the anti “big Government” crowd are often the ones who seem to have the strongest affinity for the “pledge”.
Also, “love it or leave it” has come back into fashion now that “their guy” is in power. A stark contrast with the “dissent-is-the-highest-form-of-patriotism” sentiment they had when Obama was president.
I don’t want to straw-man you here. I know that you don’t fall into this category. But I do think it is important to be critical of ALL groups. What better way to prove that you are not under the spell of groupthink.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, Tim. I’m putting that in next issue of The AD. It would make a good essay, if lengthened. Is the Pledge still done in grammar schools?
Good point on both groups! I am an atheist, so clearly do not enjoy the constant evocation of God by the right-wingers. It does, however, seem from my observations that the left has really gone wacky with ad hominem, far more than the right. It is a constant RACIST bellowing. Also, communism is alive and will and seems like it will be a persistent threat to freedom until it finally wins out. And I do think it will win out eventually.
T