I have been surprised by the visceral reactions some of my friends have had during, and in the aftermath, of recent world-distressing events. Together with a few other incidents which are certainly egregious but not nearly as terrible. I would place Israel’s genocide of the Palestinian people in the former category, and the election of Donald Trump in the latter group. Both, in very different ways, cast a shadow over our ability to function as a moral society.
In a considerable number of what I regard as over-the-top reactions to Trump’s re-election one might be forgiven for believing that this affair heralds the end of civilization as we know it, while the slaughter in Gaza is just one of those things – tragic but justifiable. It’s as though we view reality through a fairground distorting mirror. We decry the result of the election as democracy becoming unhinged, when it’s actually an example of the democratic system, with all its faults, working as intended. If we don’t like the result then we have no other option than to redesign that system. Meanwhile, we condemn the inconceivable brutality of Israeli snipers, incited by a form of Zionist rage that’s become totally detached from Judaism, targeting and killing infants, but hesitate in taking decisive action to stop it. Israel has a right to defend itself, we repeat over and over again. Tormented by meaningless accusations of anti-Semitism, a term so degraded that it now literally means bugger all, it’s as though we’ve disengaged from the atrocity by momentarily parking our morals in a parallel universe.
In this world, a world increasingly defined by polarization and conflicting narratives, the idea that people do not believe what they see, but see what they believe, resonates profoundly. Contrary to reason, this premise challenges our understanding of truth and discernment, particularly in times of political upheaval and social change. Disorder and panic accompanying recent elections, in which many incumbent parties were thrown out of power, along with the rise of authoritarianism, shed light on how deeply entrenched beliefs can shape our interpretations of the here and now, often overriding observable facts and events.
As we struggle to make sense of complexity, unfamiliar patterns alongside the often unfathomable nature of human decision-making, a sense of apprehension is emerging - not just from the events themselves but from the responses they invariably evoke.
Each day, pundits and commentators scramble to provide explanations for the unforeseen outcomes of important events, commonly attributing these to ‘rational’ factors, ranging from economic conditions to demographic shifts. Yet, beneath all the analyses lies a more troubling truth: a tendency to filter reality through the lens of pre-existing beliefs. This really only becomes clear when examining how we interpret the actions and philosophies of people in the news- particularly prominent political figures, sportsmen and women, and media stars - often justifying our allegiance, despite overwhelming evidence of wrongdoing or moral failings, to how we feel about them.
The America that many have known—a nation founded on visionary principles of democracy, rule of law, and human rights—seems to have crossed the Rubicon. For those who have lived their life in accordance with ideals of truth and progress, the current political climate raises so many unsettling questions. Despite the wealth of data and evidence supporting the benefits of liberal ideals (i.e. individual liberty, secularism, human rights, equality and the rule of law) the reality is that a significant part of the population appears to be rejecting these in favour of a narrative that aligns with a different set of beliefs.
The triumph of figures who embody regressive ideologies reflects a broader cultural shift, where facts are secondary to personal convictions. Thus, I was able to predict the outcome of the US presidential election back in January by ignoring the polls, noting (but not being swayed) by predictable media hype, and taking the cultural undercurrents of how ordinary American citizens were feeling about the Biden administration compared to Donald Trump’s messaging into account.
This moment is particularly gut-wrenching for those who have dedicated their lives promoting universal values such as kindness, respect, and social justice. The realization that these values are not universally embraced forces a reckoning with an uncomfortable truth: for many, the choice between compassion and cruelty is not a foregone conclusion. The decision to disregard fundamental ethical principles in favour of expediency or personal gain reveals a fracture in the shared moral fabric that once bound us all together.
As we reflect on the choices made by millions, it becomes clear that mere exposure to facts and data is insufficient to change minds. When individuals can dismiss the gravity of behaviours that contradict their beliefs, the challenge of communication becomes monumental. Traditional arguments rooted in logic and evidence falter in the face of deeply held convictions that prioritize identity over truth. This disconnect creates divergent moral universes, where the acceptance of despotism becomes possible even in the most secure and prosperous of democracies.
Despite these alarming trends, it’s crucial that we maintain perspective. While the rise of authoritarianism poses significant threats, it doesn’t necessarily erase progress made in other fields like health, literacy, poverty reduction, and human rights. However, the perceived air of inevitability regarding moral progress has been severely shaken. The belief that history bends toward justice now feels contingent on informed collective action rather than a preordained outcome which demands no action from the general public.
Transformative change does not and cannot occur in a vacuum. Mostly it results from the tireless efforts of numerous dedicated individuals who believe in a better future, even when the odds seem insuperable. Progress demands active participation and an unwavering faith in the benefits of massive change. This is a vital truth.
As we gather our wits, and learn how to deal with new and evolving circumstances, it will be essential to craft new stories that highlight the tangible efforts of those who find the courage needed to resist the tide of authoritarianism. These narratives must focus not just on the challenges that authoritarianism brings in its wake, but also on the potency of solidarity, collective action, and significance of sustaining a dedication to the truth. Tracking real progress, measuring outcomes accurately, and sharing stories of resilience now matter more than ever before.
In a world where belief and disbelief do battle to shape perceptions, the responsibility falls on each one of us to cultivate a civilization that values honesty, empathy, openness, reciprocity and wisdom. It’s vital that we call out dishonesty, and oppose personal opinion being likened to evidence. For example, I have a right to object to government policies designed to contend with climate change on the basis that I believe them to be deficient. But I am not within my right to say that I don’t believe in climate change given that it’s a matter of evidence. My personal opinion is immaterial.
While all of this is daunting, demanding backbone, an unwavering commitment to the sacredness of all life, and the potential for humans to steward ethical behaviour, can illuminate even the darkest of times.
Turning conversations that matter into actions that make a difference, holding faith with our core values, and stepping boldly into a new consciousness concerning human purpose, we can work in harmony to reclaim a narrative grounded in truth, ensuring that the light of progress continues to shine through the shadows of uncertainty.