Pride…
I love our democracy, but apparently majority is over rated. I was taught, as we all are, from an early age that majority rules in our society. Which is a great concept in theory. However, what I have witnessed in politics and other forms of social interaction is not “majority rule” but “emotional rule”. Pathos is the most over used model of persuasion, why because it works. This is why so many minority opinions have such great influence in our society. Not everyone is logical (logos); not everyone is given to follow authority (ethos). But everyone has emotions and we as a culture have been primed to have our emotions “tickled” by every orator that passes by. I recently read an article in which the author offered up a “fact based” rebutle of his antagonists position, which I applaude. We do not get enough logos or ethos in our debates. Unfortunantly, every paragraph, if not started with, at least contained incendiary language. Designed to set his readers firmly against this particular topic and the group of people who would agree with said topic. Funny, he accused and condemned his antagonist of doing the exact thing. So, where does all of this pathos come from…pride. It is because we believe that we are right, but not only right, but that our logic and decernment is beyond reproach. So we take the cheap shot, the easy way to win supporters, when it is offered. We are convinced that everyone will ultimatly see the shortcomings in there own arguments, and come running to our opinion with open arms. So we just despense with the middle man, presenting unbiased facts so our audience can come to there own conclusions, and slander our opponent from the start. That way everyone will see the light sooner and we can all live together in perfect harmony. That statement my seem harsh but watch the upcoming electorial process. Go to the coffee shop and pay attention to the debate about religion. Listen to the kids on the playground, you might be suprised how soon children call each others character into question when talking to a group of their peers. I can’t even seem to write this entry without trying to sway your emotions. I believe there is a time and place for emotional pleas, but when it turns into coersion, pride has taken over control of the argument. I did not write this to set one opinion above another, but to question tactics. When pathos is taken to this extreme, defenses go up on both sides and discussion dies.
P.S. I know you will agree with everything that I said, but if for some reason you need clarification or take objection to anything I have written, I would be more than proud to put you back on the correct path.
