The Debates and False Equivalence
Not sure how to explain whatever that was last night. I’m also not sure how one might be an undecided voter.
I digress.
What I really what to talk about is the trap I see so many Americans (and others) fall into either in thought or communication.
False equivalence.
What is false equivalence?
It’s when you set up two opposing sides of an argument and make it look like they hold equal weight when really, they don’t. And presenting both of these views as valid is a logical fallacy, or a “false equivalence.” [Source: KQED]
So how does one avoid this trap?
- Don’t speak in generalities. Explain your reasoning. What I heard most from others is that the debate was a shit show. If you stop there, you will make it seem as if both were off the rails, unhinged, and crazy to the same degree.
- Keep count. One low point versus ten does equate to an equally bad performance. That is the classic case of lowering the bar for some and raising it for others. Hold everyone to the same standard, not your expectations for them individually.
- Don’t interpret, let them explain. Do try to rationalize talking points. Just take them for what they are and examine them against other statements. Hard things are hard. Simple things are simple. If someone makes a simple thing hard, then that is a red flag.
- Question your own reactions. Be slow to share them. We live in a “right now” culture but it is worth taking a moment to think about how you feel before shouting into the ether. Take a moment to understand why you feel the way you feel and revisit it BEFORE you rush to share an opinion.
In short, be careful about how to communicate your thoughts on the debates so that you don’t fall into the trap of false equivalence. That leads to cynicism which has led us to where we are today.