by Jill Pertler
Fact Check the Political Facts
We all have our views and viewpoints. It’s easy to expand on those views with quips and comments that sound inventive, innovative and downright clever. It’s amazing, actually, how easy it is to come out against something or someone, especially when you don’t agree with their viewpoints, political stance or even appearance.
We all see the world from our own lens. That’s okay.
It’s so much more than okay. And here in the United States, the ability to view the country from our own lens is what makes this land great.
We take it for granted, but we shouldn’t. The freedoms we have to disagree, criticize and even ridicule one another are privileges people living in other places don’t necessarily know.
Being a U.S. citizen is coveted by many. I sometimes forget this. I was born in what I consider to be the best country in the world. I too-often take this fact for granted. But I shouldn’t.
Especially right now, in the midst of our current political situation, which is filled with discord, distress and distrust. And opinions. So many, many opinions.
Or at least two of them. The right and the wrong. Am I right? And with our polarized opinions come those clever memes, which unfortunately often have no basis in facts - on both sides. Please remember that. I am talking about both sides here.
This column isn’t about politics; it’s about civility and honesty and truth.
And memes. When we have opinions and we long to share them with others, it can feel right, sincere, educational and so very powerful to post memes, because if they are on point with your point, they must be true.
Plus, they are ready-made. No graphic design skills needed. No effort on our part. You just find a handy picture with words attached and post it.
No fact-checking needed, of course. Why would the truth (your truth, my truth) lie?
What could possibly be wrong with that? Probably nearly everything. But beyond that, good question. It’s a question I’ve asked publicly recently. It’s a question I’ve actually put into action, by questioning people on social media about their sources and the entirety of facts behind a meme.
It’s been eye opening. Turns out some people posting memes don’t take lightly to being questioned or fact-checked. For that I am truly sorry. I do not want to cause angst in anyone’s life, but right now, at this time in history, I feel the facts might just be pretty darn important.
And if you don’t have the time to check your facts, or you don’t care to check your facts, or you don’t feel your facts need any checking, please pause. Please check. Even if you are absolutely certain right is on your side, still check.
Do your homework. Play the devil’s advocate and make sure whatever your are posting is verifiably true. It will only strengthen your overall argument.
It will make us all better, but better yet, it will help us all in the long run. This is a certifiable fact, according to 100 percent of Americans polled in a recent poll (which was one, because I simply polled myself.)
You see how statistics can be manipulated? I hope this has you smiling. Even more so, I hope it has you thinking.
All the best from me to you during this divided political season. And big hugs. Always, always big hugs. We can never have too many.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
