Polarization is rampant everywhere, on every single issue. Media amplifies it and social media regurgitates it endlessly. Freedom of speech is good, and passion is great indeed, as long as the discussions and debates are civil, positive and constructive.
The people who are taking the extreme positions are so noisy and vitriolic on all the sides, that trying to talk sense and bring about balance, feels like a Herculean task.
There are perhaps more moderates in this world, than those that take extreme positions, but their problem is that they are silent, perhaps not wanting to risk getting hurt and bloodied, in this senseless war of diatribes and invite a deluge of unsolicited hate mail and despicable comments.
Moderation is certainly the need of the hour, and we need more empathy and understanding on all sides. To some extent, compromise is needed to facilitate people to come to the center and carve out a path ahead, together. Yet, it is often portrayed as surrender, or a sellout, by those who are firmly entrenched in their extreme positions, thereby hampering progress. And if we allow politicians on all sides to fan hatred, instead of fostering mutual understanding, respect and peace, the problem is immensely exacerbated.
Unfortunately, the first casualty in any argument seems to be facts. People have a strong sense of identity that stems from their language, religion, gender, education and upbringing, and they perceive things differently, form their own opinions without verifying facts, and cherry pick only those ‘facts’ or some ‘dimensions of facts’, to corroborate their opinions, and indulge in selective praise or outrage, depending upon their position on any issue.
How can we change this sad and destructive trend? It is possible only if more moderates come forward to break their silence and speak up firmly, and reason with facts and figures, with an abundance of patience and perseverance, and bring people together.
It is perhaps easier said than done, but it is much-needed today, for civility and sanity to return to public discourse and debate.
Thought Resonance 
Moderation in the communication is understandable. Can you give me an example of moderation in actual policy? This will make clear if moderation or compromise is possible and good in policy issues.
All I am saying is that all sides should show an openness for some simple “give and take”, whatever may be the issue! That shouldn’t be so tough! An absolute refusal to concede some ground, by all the sides, is so unproductive!
Sayee, makes sense. In my opinion there are a few difficulties. Let’s start with “facts”. What is the definition of “fact”? Other than basic facts like sun rises in the east and sets in the West (which infact is also not a fact technically). So by definition everything we see around us is an “opinion”. The opinion shouted by the loudest person becomes a fact. Now for another difficulty – who are moderates? The one who does not take sides? If a moderate raises his or her voice wouldn’t that make him or her an extreme (as in being “extreme” in his or her views). It is very difficult to be a true moderate without taking sides – anybody’s side!
Good discussion to have over dinner someday.
Thanks Anand. A moderate is someone who encourages both sides to concede ground, accept constructive solutions and make progress! You can do that without really taking sides, or by taking both sides, to the extent that we ensure that we are not stuck and we can make progress together! 😊
Again my opinion and not a fact… by your definition a moderate is one who can mediate and find common ground. Actually in my opinion, that does not make him or her a moderate. That makes him or her a great mediator. Subtle difference… I would define a moderate as someone who has a view and a firm opinion which is more centrist than extremes. So by that definition a moderator also has opinions (sometimes strong ones)… it’s just that it is more in the center. In my opinion that is just a “third” corner in the triangle.
Good point and fair enough! Nothing wrong with a firm centrist opinion either! Moderates should perhaps mediate more! I am craving to see far more civil discourse and nuanced debate than this terrible cacophony of insults and counterattacks!
Timely blog from you, Sayee. I can think of Edward De Bono’s Six Thinking hats – where no one takes any side, but everyone views the issue at hand from the same perspective and finally all views are integrated. While this may look to be impossible in many social scenarios, one can start with this where people agree with the common objective, at the least.
I believe, very soon, media of all types, will be under pressure to be positive because people do not like negativity , especially if it is present for a long period of time.
Thanks Sundar! Very nice reference to Edward De Bono! I do hope the media becomes more positive worldwide!