We live in a world of controversy. Let me rephrase that. We live in a world that is constantly fed controversy. The media, the bulk of any side you care to identify, is driven by capturing your interest in order to generate money. They focus on presenting stories in an either/or context, pressuring you to pick a side. You are either in this monolithic group or that monolithic group. Choosing either makes you the bad guy to the other group. Choosing neither makes you the bad guy in both groups. Put simply, it is divisive by nature. Division generates controversy which generates interest which generates interaction which generates money.
Monolithic Logic?
A monolith is a large, upright stone often used as a monument. Think of Stonehenge, made up of a series of monoliths arranged in a circle. The word’s etymology literally breaks down to “one stone”. Metaphorically, this can also refer to societal things such as an organization. It is usually seen as rigid, homogenous, single-minded, and with no room for new ideas. Monolithic logic, therefore, might mean that there is only one right way to think. It may also mean that a group, defined by a common characteristic, always thinks and acts the same.
The Epic Failure
You are pro-life or pro-choice. You are pro-vax or anti-vax. We must choose pro-gun or gun-control. Anti-immigrant or pro-open borders. Pro-Russia or Pro-Ukraine. PC or Mac. Canon or Nikon. It goes on and on. These are boiled down to grossly simplified issues, but that is the point. Everything is about the monolithic logic of being in or out. “Pick a side,” leads to epic failure. Monolithic logic prevents us from having real, honest conversations. Monolithic logic leads us to pointing figures and “gotcha” moments.
Labels Suck
I am on record as saying I hate labels for decades. What is monolithic logic other than sticking a label on someone? Once labeled as being in a particular group, the only way out is to switch sides and become the other label. You can’t do it halfway, though. You have to completely switch and alienate your previous allies. Even better, drag your allies over to your new monolithic label and immediately become a hero to your new, chosen ideal! But, above all, pick a label and wear it proudly. This is the only way you can be accepted.
Refuse to be Monolithic
Opinions are good. Strong opinions based on sound logic are great. Being able to expound upon why you believe your opinion is right is important. To do so in a persuasive manner that eschews personal attacks and questionable data is difficult for a lot of people. We do not like to be wrong. That is normal. But consider the danger of absolutes. For example, one inspiration for this post was the constant harping of how all people of a given skin color think (or should think) a certain way. Fill in the skin color. Doesn’t matter. Every shade you can think of has “norms” with which they surely comply. Failing that, they are an anomaly to be looked upon with suspicion.
Have your opinion. Wear it proudly if you so desire. But, please, for the good of us all, stop labeling people using monolithic terms. Stop making gross assumptions about someone’s individual beliefs because you perceive them as being in a specific group. We are trained to look at these monolithic groups, not at individuals. That is very purposeful. To consider “the enemy” as someone who is just as human as ourselves is to surrender the cause. To suggest that “the enemy” has a good point that we should consider is blasphemy. How dare we actually listen to what they have to say and honestly consider their point of view. How dare we challenge our own ideals, test their mettle, and possibly arrive at a different conclusion!
As a wise man once said, the assumptions people make says more about them than the people they label. What assumptions are you making?
I hope you don’t mind this slightly political foray. I generally avoid such topics because, well, people tend to stick to their monolithic logic. Me? I have a few monolithic ideals, too, but I see no reason to play tug of war in a competition where both sides are so firmly planted that the only outcome is spite. That goes directly against my top monolithic ideal: Love one another.
In light of today’s topic, perhaps you can figure out how I chose today’s image. 😉
