I'm a fan of Scott Adams the cartoonist but
grow increasingly exasperated with Scott Adams the pundit – based on articles
like this one. I agree with part of it but disagree with more of the post. It touches on several issues that are relevant to those who, as Adams is, a "trained persuader,"
Adams is right when he says, “we’re all seeing
what we expect to see,” underscoring the importance of people’s narrative when interpreting
events. And he’s right that when presented with a reality that undermines the
foundation of their narrative, people tend to “double down” (a term widely used
on both sides) and support their narrative even more strongly. After all no one
wants “live their lives as confirmed morons.”
Unfortunately, Adams ignores the real problem.
Exasperated by social media (this post included, no doubt), there not
only is not much middle ground anymore – there is also a lack of willingness to
try to seek middle ground. And that is affecting businesses, too.
We can’t agree on facts anymore. We can't agree on which media is credible, either. That's a real problem for marketers.
As a "trained persuader," Adams could have addressed -- and should have addressed -- how to communicate to (and with) people who hold opposing narratives. This is critically important for the future of our country because, as Lincoln said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."
Instead, Adams’ post says, “ordinary people doing ordinary things (could)… turn Trump into
an actual Hitler” and that he “can think of dozens of ways the protesters could
cause the thing they are trying to prevent.” So while Adams doesn’t think Trump
is the next Hitler, he’s already blaming those afraid of that scenario to be
the ones who cause it. That kind of blaming he victims is dangerous.
Meanwhile, when some corporate leaders have issued statements in favor or against one thing or another, the immediate response is to boycott them and their companies. What we need are political leaders to help bridge the chasm of the two competing narratives, to work together in the best interests of our great country.
It's hard to reunite the country when labeling the opposing side as "the enemy.”
As persuaders, we need to consider what we can do to help our clients to communicate with all their key constituents. Increasingly we may have to address the reality of the political divide without taking stances that will alienate either side. And we will have to find a way to do so while being true to the clients and ourselves.
-NB
