In the past people would debate ideas, with the goal being the search for the truth or for the better idea/solution.
Today it’s just about winning. It’s no longer a debate, it’s an argument. And nobody wins an argument.
The approach taken has one, or if needed, two, steps:
- Step 1: Shut down your opponent
- Either you are a victim,
- You claim one of the “protected” victim categories.
- Anybody who says anything against you is obviously a bad person.
- Or label your opponent as a Nazi or some other vile category.
- Misstate their position as something abhorrent.
- Accuse them of a vile deed.
- No need for the truth, it’s no longer a value we care about.
- Once you’ve smeared your opponent, the audience will not listen to your opponent. They’ve been trained to tune out people with a negative label.
- Either you are a victim,
If they do continue and try to defend themselves or their position, then on the the next step.
Step 2: End the conversation.
Don’t allow the audience to hear any opinion other than yours.
- “I don’t want to talk about it any more.”
- You’re upsetting me.
- You’re evil, a nazi/racist/…
- I don’t debate nazis/racists/etc.
You can feel virtuous about yourself, for you have won a victory for morality and the greater good.
Who cares that you haven’t solved anything, or made the world a better place. You’ve “won”, and that’s all that matters.
This approach has poisoned the public square. I worry about the future which can only be built with the search for better ways to do things.