Escaping Rancid Politics

Have you ever found yourself shouting at the news on your TV or computer screen? I know I have. Sadly my angst is growing and no matter how hard I try, I’m finding it increasingly more difficult not to react angrily to what I’m reading, hearing and seeing…

However, reflecting on my normality of holding a positive outlook (for life in general), I’m constantly recognising that holding onto that hope is essential, especially in these increasingly tough times. Even when my optimism feels a little shaky, I’m grateful for not letting myself get too overwhelmed by pessimism, I can still appreciate the significance of maintaining hope and accept and ignore whatever falls outside of my direct control. But I have to admit this personal life-skill is being increasingly challenged.

There are so many interconnected factors that have contributed to the rise of today’s extremist political views, and the ever-increasing subsequent aggression that flows from those people who are aligned with partisan polarities.

Firstly we have a pervasive sense of political disenchantment, which has left many feeling politically homeless and increasingly isolated; repeated scandals and unmet promises have continued to erode trust in leaders and institutions.

Secondly, mainstream political parties often appear totally detached from the everyday concerns of ‘ordinary’ people, and they continually fail to address the anxieties of the public.

All of this has created fertile ground for populists and those with extreme views to capitalise on those public frustrations; by offering direct, simplistic solutions and even more divisive rhetoric. The amplification of these views through social media and 24-hour news cycles has only heightened the tensions of growing polarisation, making it harder for constructive dialogue to occur. It feels as if nobody agrees to disagree amicably anymore… which they should.

Thankfully, I’ve never really concerned myself with political arguments, though I clearly do hold opinions about many ‘political’ issues. For much of my working life, I was actually barred from expressing any partisan stance publicly, but that didn’t mean that I didn’t care or lacked opinions, I simply kept them private. Most of the time!

Nowadays, I still care about others and the society that we live in. But today, I’m additionally frustrated by the exponential growth of toxic rhetoric that fills my screens. To the extent that sometimes I find myself at bursting out: “What the fuck is wrong with you people?”

Why are so many extreme views pushed by populists; to then be subsequently accepted with little or no challenge by increasingly large numbers of people? Tropes and falsehoods are continually being amplified with far left or far right spin and narratives and churned out to the masses in our 24hr news cycles. The whole shitshow is damaging people, our communities and our society; on local, national and global levels.

I can fully understand – and have empathy for – all those people who are constantly impacted negatively by these worrying times. Wherever you look, particularly on social media platforms, daily life has become tainted by a deluge of bigotry, racism, homophobia, aggressive diatribe, tropes dressed in contrived narratives of hatred. It’s all bothering stuff.

Yet within this disturbing political landscape there is perhaps a glimmer of hope. Humanist and Green movements appear to be gaining some traction in the middle-ground, despite that palpable growth having been something of a slow-burning fuse, until now.

Rooted in reason and compassion and focussed upon human welfare, ‘humanitarian’ and environmentally greener viewpoints are emerging. That has to be a good thing. Because agree or disagree, any alternative to all the divisive political pish and rancid ideologies that we are now sadly accustomed to has to be a good thing. And it can’t come soon enough. We all need to start seeing the expression of values which are based in ethical living, critical thinking, and community engagement. Rather than the constant division and hatred that we are sadly experiencing every day.

Undoubtedly, these ‘new’ visions are starting to attract people who are seeking a more inclusive and pragmatic visualisation for our society. And long may that continue. As more people strive to make more positive contributions within their own spheres, the principles of humanism can provide more emphasis on dignity and shared values. My hope is that similar societal ideologies will start to resonate with many more people. From a personal perspective, and ever more so as I’ve aged, I’m increasingly aligned with ‘human’ principles, rather than political ones.

More people might like to try it sometime… just don’t leave it too bloody late!