Politics is invading our lives as private citizens, and with social media helping to spread opinions like wildfire, it’s easy to think that the most retweeted opinion must be the right one. Groupthink and all that.
Thinking critically is what we come to university to practice; indoctrination is the antithesis to this, and yet it is happening across campuses, social media platforms, and media outlets beyond the national scope. Unfortunately, we have all fallen victim, through some disturbing erosion of the educational or social system, to forming our opinions based on the opinions of others. We are pro-choice because being pro-life would make us bad people (according to someone?), we dislike Trump because that’s how our friends, and their moms, and their dogs all feel, and we identify as modern-day feminists because we think we’re supposed to. I say this not to suggest that these opinions are wrong, but rather to get you thinking that you haven’t truly thought these ideologies through for yourself.
This article is about critical thinking. It’s not about pushing some political agenda. If we allow for each person to form, voice and be challenged on their opinion, then we spur innovation through discourse, and can only improve from there.
I think we need this article. I constantly get into conversations with people who are unable to truly discuss anything, because they haven’t formed their own opinion – they only know what they hear. It’s embarrassing and a display of ineptitude. I end up wondering if they have any sort of original thoughts at all, and no one wants to be thought of that way. While it may be “cool” to not care what others think of you, you should be concerned with whether you come across as an educated person, or a sheep.
Pro tip: employers don’t want sheep; no one wants sheep.
I get it: you “don’t care about politics.” Well, you better start! Politics and public policy shape your life. And if you don’t know whether you want more government or less, higher taxes or lower, then you better get on your computer and do some research. Or, you can follow my nicely laid out steps for being woke!
Here they are:
1. Understand your local and national government policies.
Figure out what Trudeau’s government stands for, what they have done, and what they’re doing. Do the same for Kathleen Wynne and Doug Ford in Ontario. Get to know opposition candidates, and make a rough judgment of who you like best. Are you Liberal, Conservative, NDP, Green, Libertarian – or maybe you’re down with Marxism? You’ll need to understand steps two through seven before you can know.
2. Grasp macroeconomic trends and theories.
Just the basics – not to worry. What does it mean when we talk about Trump imposing tariffs on steel? What is a trade war? Is the minimum wage hike a good idea? Then we can extend, and grasp the social implications of policy – fun stuff!
3. Look at all kinds of media outlets.
Understand which news outlets lean left or right, and look all along the spectrum. Even if you agree with a certain outlet’s take on an issue more than others, read what everyone is saying and understand both sides. It will make you more adept at discussion, and help you ascertain where you stand. Watch out for fake news!
Pro Tip: CNN is left-leaning. Fox News is not.
4. Put emphasis on the facts.
This should be number one in your heart. Stop listening to the “he’s a racist” argument. Ad hominem does not look good on anyone. Look for the material and objective analyses of the issues.
5. Corroborate facts.
Find other outlets that have referenced the facts, check the references, and decide if they’re trustworthy.
6. Look deeper.
Find connections and correlations. This means searching for the “why,” and continuing to ask “why.” Arrive at the underlying issues and help target the policies that are damaging to come up with real solutions. A good tip is to find Youtubers who are well educated on the topics you care about, listen to them, and listen to all perspectives.
I hope I’ve made clear the importance of listening to varied opinions.
7. Reflect.
This is where you can sprinkle your feelings on it. But make sure you’re consistent. Reflect on the values you believe in and what you see as crucial to a productive society, and vote for the politicians who represent this.
8. Continue to educate yourself!
Please don’t share every Buzzfeed video that comes across your feed; it doesn’t help anyone. Constantly question where your opinion is coming from, and stay updated on the news. Take the time to listen to the views of people you don’t agree with, and be open to having your mind changed. Being challenged is a fundamental part of learning and growth! Chances are you will become a better person for it, or at least more interesting for people to talk to.
Some closing thoughts from one of my favorites, Ben Shapiro: “Facts don’t care about your feelings.”
…Did I put enough emphasis on the importance of facts!?