by Michael Pisani,
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UNITED STATES, Dec 17 — As we move toward the 2012 elections, I have observed in reading comments in various blogs, discussion treads, letters to the editor and the like, that there is a significant amount of uncertainty and confusion as to what is actually the “state of the union” and what can, or should be, done about it. One of the most striking things I have noticed is that people tend to see the world as they are, not as it really is. That is, they frame everything in a frame of reference that keys on their personal likes and dislikes, their ethnicity, their heritage and their current situation. This is very disturbing
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s we move toward the 2012 elections, I have observed in reading comments in various blogs, discussion treads, letters to the editor and the like, that there is a significant amount of uncertainty and confusion as to what is actually the “state of the union” and what can, or should be, done about it. One of the most striking things I have noticed is that people tend to see the world as they are, not as it really is. That is, they frame everything in a frame of reference that keys on their personal likes and dislikes, their ethnicity, their heritage and their current situation. Few make the effort to separate themselves from the issue long enough to give it an unbiased, informed opinion.
While this not the best way to approach evaluating our way ahead, it is unfortunately, completely normal. Responding to external stimuli in this manner is a programmed behavior that is totally supported from birth by our environment, upbringing and circumstances. Breaking this “habit” is very difficult, primarily because most people are not aware it is taking place. They believe, in all sincerity, that they are behaving perfectly naturally and correctly.
Add to this the fact that in today’s world, information is so plentiful that it becomes counterproductive in formulating informed opinion. Actually, information is not the correct word, data is what is plentiful; information gathered from the data is not so easily determined. I see people quoting data sources all the time, and usually they use a source that supports their opinion. If another individual references another source that contradicts their opinion, they will deem the contradictory source as inaccurate or unreliable in some way. They will not change their mind.
The problem here is that data can be and is manipulated to suit purposes. I have some experience with this, as I was an analyst for the government for more than fifteen years. The mainstream Media is also often biased and news, like data, is reported or not reported according to desired results rather than actual events. Regrettably, there are a lot of people who believe that if they see something in the media, it is true, as written or broadcast.
Finally, there are the adherents to the political parties; Republican and Democrat, who believe that anything other than the “party line”, is patently false and not to be given any credence. It is a troubling situation.
All of these things, and more, combine to create an electorate that is making choices based primarily on emotion instead of facts. It is actually very difficult for the average person to know exactly what the “truth” behind any event is. It is much easier to rely on their built-in biases and cling to that which supports their view rather than embark on an exhausting search for the real facts behind any position, situation or problem. Politicians know this, and exploit it mercilessly, adding fuel to the fire.
So, as we move toward the 2012 elections, the population is inundated with reports, polls, news stories, talk radio and television personalities presenting their views and even the opinions of their friends and families. In a world where events occurring half way around the world are available almost as they happen, is it any wonder that the electorate, to me at least is confused about what we should be doing to address the most important problems our country is facing? I see confusion about exactly which problems are the most important. This is very disturbing. I see the problem, I do not see a workable solution; I am confused.
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