Are you in a box? Many of us are these days, and do not even realize it. I’m not talking about a physical box. The box I refer to is much more dangerous because it is often invisible. It’s the technology box. Many of my readers are too young to remember the 1960s. In fact, I myself was born then. But that timing gave me the luxury of seeing the ‘box’ built as it happened. Younger folks, born in the 2000s, were born into a world where their invisible box was pretty much finished with them inside it from birth, and my generation failed to point it out. In fact, my generation slowly stepped into the box as well, initially out of fascination and convenience.
The box encourages self-isolation and self-indoctrination. It keeps us listening to echo-chambers regarding societal and political issues.
Time was, when a community called a “town meeting” (nowadays think “community engagement session”), hundreds of residents showed up. Together, they shared their different thoughts and opinions on whatever the subject was. We all gained perspective.
By comparison, today’s “town meetings” are most often woefully unattended. Many who do attend are the community’s “loud voices” who may not be there to offer well-rounded and thoughtful discussion. This hands more power to elected officials, who can sense the apathy and often feel the duty to do what they think is right. So, if it seems elected leaders are not listening to the people, we need to at least consider it’s because we have been sitting in our box, disengaged from our leaders and others in our communities.
An election is coming up on April 7th. How many of us will make our determinations in the voting booth based on information we procured inside our box? Truth is, the only way to discern whether a candidate is worthy of your vote is to engage. Go to forums and debates. Reach out directly and ask for an audience with candidates. Talk with the people you come into casual contact with like co-workers, church or club members and friends. (Or, rely on a non-partisan organization like the Rock County First Political Fund, who vet and endorse local candidates, and are clear how they determine how they are selected. Go HERE to learn more about the local educational and financial freedom challenges we face, and how to make Rock County stronger, together!)
I have honestly had my opinion about candidates’ abilities to represent me change after a discussion with them. Sitting in my box would have led me to make a poor choice at the ballot box. Engagement with candidates gave me confidence in who was equipped with the skill sets and thought processes I valued.
“Yes, Bill, the box is bad,” you say. “But if I can’t see it, how do I get out?” You can get out by ‘getting out.” Talk to people. Talk to candidates. Do research. Talk to elected officials – not by text, but in person or at least on an actual phone call. Ignore social media (except for pet videos). Put the devices in their own box. We’ll have to work at it, but I believe it’s the best way to help heal the divisiveness in our communities and politics. I hope to see you at the next “town meeting or forum.”
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RCF’s Mission: Empower the citizens of Rock County to preserve freedom & liberty through education and government accountability.
