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Feb 26, 2004 Complete objectivity is most likely an unobtainable goal for all people. It takes focus and concentration to develop an objective conclusion on many of the pressing issues of the day. Politics, religion, family, sports and morality are among the most difficult subjects to remain objective about. Personally, I look at it as a challenge to weigh each situation objectively. In my never ending quest for “total objectivity” I have developed a mental game I play with myself whenever I identify a bias reaction to an event or statement made by someone I disagree with. Often I know I am being bias but I don’t care—I am so convinced that I am right that I make no attempt at objectivity. However, most of the time I consciously question my reaction and motivation regarding certain situations where I sense a bias inside of me. The Game: I call it “The Grand Canyon Influence.” I will use the O.J. Simpson trial as a tool to explain. After the criminal and civil trials of O.J. there were numerous poles taken on his innocence or guilt. I don’t recall the exact numbers but something like 5% of White people believed he was innocent and 70% of Blacks believed he was innocent. A huge discrepancy to say the least. In my make-believe game there is a large computer that knows the answer to all things, and is positively never wrong. It is situated on the edge of the Grand Canyon, next to a large crane. Your legs are bound by chain as the crane swings out, dangling you over the canyon. You are instructed to answer the next question with a one word answer. If you get it correct, the crane will swing you back to land and you will be released. If you get the answer wrong, you will be released to the bedrock surface below. The computer screen flashes the question; did O. J. Simpson kill his wife? You now have five seconds to answer correctly. The answer will flash on the screen. You desperately wish to see another sunset in your life. What is your answer? Silly, yes. However, I would be willing to wager that the larger of the two percentages above would drop dramatically if someone’s life is on the line. My point is simple. Weather discussing religion, politics or the guilt or innocence of an accused criminal, it is become acceptable for anyone to say anything about anybody and there seems to be no repercussions. So you get caught in a lie, just ignore it and move on. Character and objectivity have been slowly eroding in our society for years. When is the last time you heard the phrase, “I give you my word.” Forty years ago it meant something. Today, if you used that line on somebody, they would laugh in your face. I truly realize that all societies evolve, for better or worse, over the years. Although I am a card-carrying optimist, I feel the general direction we, as a nation, are headed in is a tad off course. Far be it from me to present a problem without at least a suggestion on how it can be corrected. I will give you a window into the first step of my solution by relating a very old joke. Question: “What do you call 500 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?” Answer: “A good start!” So, the next time you are watching the news, and someone makes an outrageous statement you either agree with or don’t, swing yourself out over the Grand Canyon and answer honestly if it is correct. If you want a little practice, use the Michael Jackson, Kobe Bryant, or Martha Stewart cases to warm up on. ------------ About the author: Pete Whalon has just completed a memoir on his Vietnam service. He is self-publishing the book and it should be ready for sale June 1st of this year. Email Pete Whalon: kinoman7@aol.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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