Letters

Beyond ‘zero sum’

Let’s move beyond zero-sum, at least for Christmas.

“Zero-sum” describes a situation or game in which whatever is gained by one side is lost by the other. It describes the divisiveness that Publisher Gordon Forgey wrote about when he noted that political “campaigns are reaching new levels of vitriol and ridiculousness.”

The zero-sum mantra, “winning is the only thing”, seems the cry of politics, religious extremism and climate change. Polarization is ubiquitous. Reasonable discourse is mutilated by extremists who revel in name-calling, “gotchas” and lies.

Are there ways to blunt this reign of vitriol that obfuscates and pollutes important issues? Might we, instead, seek out collective solutions?

We can start with introspection, a good look at ourselves. Can we get past our own egos, recognize our biases, preconceptions and prejudices; put them aside to reach agreement?

Ask yourself, “What do I believe and why do I believe it?” Answering this question honestly is a great start. You’re on the road to recognizing and understanding other points of view. Next, are you ready to dialogue with those whose perspectives may be different from yours?

Understanding the substance of what another person is saying is not easy. Discussion often escalates to argument, with accusations and name-calling. Can you overlook sarcasm and slurs to find substance in another’s point of view? Can you tolerate the intolerance of others? Can you recognize your own intolerance?

People of most political or religious persuasions have good ideas. Recognizing merit in ideas is the first step toward appreciating them, even though you may not wish to accept or implement them. Consider ideas carefully and courteously. Look for points of agreement.

As we move into this spiritual season of love, fellowship and hope, we can recognize how altering our own behavior might influence that of others. If we curb our knee-jerk response to a troll’s comment, we might be able to follow the advice in Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Educating ourselves to facts, as opposed to opinions, speculation and rumors, is essential. The internet provides unprecedented means for finding not only facts, but also misinformation, disinformation and lies. The hard part is separating truth from fiction.

Recognizing our own biases helps us filter information objectively. If we avoid responding hastily to arguments that attack or even support our biases, we can evaluate opposing viewpoints. We might even be able to integrate diverse ideas into a unified solution.

Although life is often zero-sum, it need not be. Cooperation trumps competition. As Ben Franklin noted in 1776, “We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Peter Haug,

Colfax