Great article; particularly interested in the first two points. Especially on fact-checking, while the people who undertake it are doing God's work, many people who would benefit from it simply aren't seeing it/don't care/don't want to believe it. The problem is that as it stands I can't see an easy way to promote a convincing and winning counter-narrative without devolving into mutual viciousness. Perhaps a slow-burn, long-term focus on easy unifying themes, and building from there? But I don't see how such messages gain traction in fora that encourage extreme and polarising views.
I feel your uncertainty about a way forward too. I've heard a few decent attempts from various politicians and commentators: whether that be emphasising dignity and the right for everyone to have their basic needs met (some kind of universal basic services?) or framing the challenge as impunity and corruption vs rules-based order and fair play.
Realistically solutions will vary in different countries. I do feel as though the UK has a small c conservativeness that is impossible to avoid, and so perhaps framing the big changes we need on climate, democracy and infrastructure as 'building stability for the future' is a good place to start? Whereas in the US framing these solutions through the lens of 'freedom' may be more appropriate?
Hiya, thanks for the reply as always. I won't speak for the US situation - everytime I converse on US political issues with Americans I am reminded that we are 'two nations divided by a common language'! Regarding the UK - stability might be a starting point, but imo one of the most difficult hurdles is commonplace cynicism - 'all politicians are the same'. It is hard to rally people around a common, positive flag when this inbuilt cynicism towards politics is combined with and amplified by conspiracy and misinformation. 'Fair play' might be one avenue, but again the (not entirely unjustified) 'one set of rules for them and one for us' mindset will remain a perennial issue.
Great article; particularly interested in the first two points. Especially on fact-checking, while the people who undertake it are doing God's work, many people who would benefit from it simply aren't seeing it/don't care/don't want to believe it. The problem is that as it stands I can't see an easy way to promote a convincing and winning counter-narrative without devolving into mutual viciousness. Perhaps a slow-burn, long-term focus on easy unifying themes, and building from there? But I don't see how such messages gain traction in fora that encourage extreme and polarising views.
Thanks for the comment Matthew!
I feel your uncertainty about a way forward too. I've heard a few decent attempts from various politicians and commentators: whether that be emphasising dignity and the right for everyone to have their basic needs met (some kind of universal basic services?) or framing the challenge as impunity and corruption vs rules-based order and fair play.
Realistically solutions will vary in different countries. I do feel as though the UK has a small c conservativeness that is impossible to avoid, and so perhaps framing the big changes we need on climate, democracy and infrastructure as 'building stability for the future' is a good place to start? Whereas in the US framing these solutions through the lens of 'freedom' may be more appropriate?
Interested to hear your thoughts.
Hiya, thanks for the reply as always. I won't speak for the US situation - everytime I converse on US political issues with Americans I am reminded that we are 'two nations divided by a common language'! Regarding the UK - stability might be a starting point, but imo one of the most difficult hurdles is commonplace cynicism - 'all politicians are the same'. It is hard to rally people around a common, positive flag when this inbuilt cynicism towards politics is combined with and amplified by conspiracy and misinformation. 'Fair play' might be one avenue, but again the (not entirely unjustified) 'one set of rules for them and one for us' mindset will remain a perennial issue.