Is the World Becoming More Violent?

Is it just me, or does it seem like the world is becoming more violent?

I'm sure many scholarly articles have been written about the subject, particularly about how the COVID pandemic impacted this apparent phenomenon.?I'm not interested in diving into an academic discussion but given the profound potential impact on our lives and on our professional environments, I thought I'd share my observations, and perhaps some suggestions.

It seems that many politicians and other influential leaders invest increasingly more time making sensational statements designed to touch on pain points and exploit tensions using the plethora of communication methods available, with little regard for the long-term impact of their statements.?Rather than introduce points of view and propose policies and strategies to address issues in an environment of discussion and debate that gives room to the plurality of ideas, leaders often exaggerate, lie, and blame, building on fear, ignorance, and on the ever-increasing political polarization.?

I blame the leaders, and the various forms of media that happily propagate (and often create their own) irresponsible, polarizing, and violent messages.?But blaming them diverts attention from what we have real control over – how we respond and how we interact with each other.?Here are some suggestions:

1)?????Listen

While speech is the most common and usually the most effective form of communication, it goes hand in hand with non-verbal elements such as gestures, tone of voice, and facial expression, which impact the message.?Listen carefully to what is being said, but also account for the non-verbal cues as they could either lend authenticity to the message or indicate the lack of it.?The same goes for written, animated, or symbolic forms of communications.?

2)?????Be Critical of What You Hear

Sadly, most information is not delivered objectively.?That leaves us with the responsibility to identify biases and extract factual data.?For example, when a reporter says that an increasing number of people express a certain view, look for actual numbers and other proof.?When a leader tells you a certain policy will lead to the total collapse of democracy as you know it, look for an explanation as to how that would be the case.

3)?????Accept the Other

We all have biases.?But the basis for effective communications that could better our lives depends on our ability to overcome them and accept people for who they are, despite how we may feel about it.

4)?????Be Mindful of the Other

Accepting the other is the first step.?Accepting that your views are not an absolute truth is the second.??Views are impacted by a myriad of factors, including upbringing, gender, cultural and religious background, nationality and other group affiliations, personal experiences, and acquired knowledge.?Listening to what a person says and understanding where they come from better equips us to extract the essence of their message, opens the door to a more effective discussion, and creates an opportunity to see their point of view.

5)?????Be Critical of Your Own Viewpoint

You may think you're right, but you may not be.?Openness to personal critique is not a weakness – it is a strength.?

6)?????Draw on Real Data

Where possible, look for proof.?When someone makes a claim, test it by seeking data and be mindful of alternative explanations.

7)?????Strive to Reach Agreement

Some enjoy endlessly arguing, but most strive to reach resolution.?In doing so, avoid assigning blame, using insult, or resorting to verbal or physical violence.

8)?????Accept

In open, democratic societies with stable mechanisms of checks and balances, the majority rules.?Accept that.?Using any form of coercion to alter decisions made by the majority will lead to the collapse of the system and hurt everyone.?

Clearly, there's much more to be said about this topic.?My point is that we should be aware of the increasing violence and the dangers it holds for us all.?We have the power to transform by being more tolerant of those with whom we disagree, and less accepting of those who prey on our weaknesses to advance their own agendas.?We do not have to love each other, but if we are to maintain a healthy societal structure and personal safety, we must operate within a set of behavioral rules that emphasize non-violent communications.

Ilan Friedman