Letter: Time for a Canadian gut check on personal beliefs

By Letter to the Editor on July 2, 2021.

Dear editor,

Solman and Fernbach’s treatise, “The Knowledge Illusion: Why We Never Think Alone,” is worth considering in this divisive and polarized time.

They write, “In the centre of partisan bubbles and fake news … be skeptical of your own knowledge, and the wisdom of your crowd.”

Without a close examination of how your personal “wisdom” impacts life decisions and the lives of those around you, you may be acting in a void of prejudice, fear and emotion. Yes, beliefs are often shared. This provides a sense of security and usually leads to personal commitment. But what if those unquestioned beliefs are groundless with no basis in reality?

Ted Hanson, renowned Republican lawyer under the two Bush and Ronald Regan regimes, once pleaded for gay marriage rights in California Supreme Court, and before the American Supreme Court for the rights of immigrants’ children born in the U.S.

Right wing Conservatives chastised him for these actions.

Hanson’s reply is noteworthy. He harkened to his debating skills in college. Every controversy has two sides and, when arguing against one, it is wise fully to understand the other position. Dialogue helps this process. Dialogue means listening – even while not agreeing – to the other side. It may not be right wing, but for Hanson, these positions were “morally” right.

I would add that our society needs a refresher course on the principles of democracy. A foundational tenet is the majority rules. Not the loudest, not the angriest, nor the ones with sensational publicity. Everyone has voice and vote in a democracy, but it is the majority who finally decide on a course of action. If voting rights are threatened, so is democracy.

Those who no longer accept these democratic ideals are proof that civic education has failed. When dialogue fails, it is proof that minds are closed. However, polite dialogue is still the best way to change hearts and minds.

Canadians cannot assume tribalism is uniquely American. Do we still tolerate “polite conversation” on religious and political topics? Perhaps it is time for a Canadian gut check on personal beliefs. Our democracy and social order are in the balance.

Les Pearson

Medicine Hat

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