I am feeling overwhelmed by the deluge of lies, disinformation, and (truly) fake news that has become an ever-present feature of our lives. Wherever I turn, I see evidence that the war against truth has taken hold of the minds of significant segments of the American population. Millions of Americans believe that the 2020 Presidential election was fraudulent. Millions also accept blatantly false information about COVID and COVID-vaccines. Apparently, millions think that Pizzagate is true or could be true. This is crazy. And it’s dangerous. Democratic citizenship is all about trust and communication. If we can’t agree on what is true, democracy simply can’t work.
However, one thought provides me with a sliver of hope. In our seminar, we have occasionally run into cases where the prospects for truth-telling and truth-seeking improve. As we have seen–and as I too often forget–people who refuse to acknowledge the truth at one point in their lives are not necessarily fated to live in a state of “nonage” forever. Either gradually or suddenly–or both–many awaken from their state of denial and affirm what is true.
The big question is: What is required to make this affirmation of the truth possible? Vaclav Havel, Rebecca Solnit, and the organizers of the News Literacy Project (a site we haven’t considered before but which is based on ideas we have encountered) have all dedicated themselves to facilitating this return to reality. Yet, if you look closely, you will see that they make quite different assumptions about the kinds of conditions that will prompt this recovery of the truth.
What key assumptions do Havel, Solnit, and the News Literary Project make about the conditions that will lead to a reaffirmation of truth-seeking and truth-telling, and how are their implicit arguments different?
To bring me back from the edge of the Grand Canyon of political despair, please tell me which of the three arguments is likely to provide the most realistic grounds for hope that some Americans will come back to their senses.
Assignment: Please write a coherent essay in which you affirm and reinforce the sliver of hope that I have for the resuscitation of truth-telling and truth-living in our democracy. Your response should be no more than five (5) double-spaced pages.
Note: To persuade me that there are realistic grounds for hope, only one of the three implied arguments can be right and the others must be insufficient (or simply wrong). I need an unequivocal answer and I need it now!
As always, I have designed this question to be an educational exercise. My aim is to have you “learn by doing.” For this reason, I recommend that you begin your essay immediately. In particular, you will need to take the time to examine the readings and the site closely to identify their differences. As you do this, a good strategy is to think about formulating each of the implicit arguments in a nutshell.
Also, as always, I will evaluate your essay according to four criteria: 1) Your understanding of the arguments and counterarguments in support of one position over the other two; 2) The clarity and consistency of your response; 3) Your explicit use of readings to back up your points concretely; and 4) Your demonstrated ability to think for yourself.
Please do not discuss your essay with anyone else. Your essay should be clearly and manifestly your own work. Of course, you can always discuss this assignment with me during my office hours. I will also be delighted to comment on your first draft paragraph and the first line of the second paragraph.
Please remember to read my Google document “Tips for Great Writing.” Also, reread my comments on your previous essays. To quote one of the founders of modern sociology: you have nothing to lose—and a world to gain!
Don’t forget to give your essay a title and to put your name on it.
Remember: My expectations are not unreasonable. I simply expect you to write the best essay you have ever written.
Your assignment is due by Noon, next Wednesday, May 4.
Of course, feel free to turn in your essay earlier. You should put your essay in your folder. Remember: No PDF!
The Registrar does not give me a lot of time to turn in grades. However, if you would like detailed comments on your paper, please let me know and I will be delighted to send them to you soon.
Good luck, be safe, and keep in touch!
AJM