“As a kid, I used to watch the Wizard of Oz and wonder how someone could talk if they didn’t have a brain. Then I got on social media.”

–Author Unknown

Every morning, like so many other Americans, I awake with a lingering sense of dread about the state of the world today. Wanton and indiscriminate killings of humans have desensitized us to the sanctity of human life. Mass killings have been reduced to statistics and “breaking news” banners that flash across our TV screens. Today, savage and seemingly, unending wars pockmark the globe. These conflicts are being prosecuted using ‘Star War’ types of weapons. For instance, drones which once intrigued and entertained us as toys have morphed into deadly instruments of war. The more we outsource killing each other to machines and bomb launchers, the less we feel the impact of taking human lives. Apparently, it is easier to kill another being that one doesn’t see. Shaving a bayonet into the body of another human being has an immediate impact on the person piercing the body of another. The question is why have we quit talking to each other? Where are the statesmen and diplomats trained to finding a non-violent resolution to conflict? Have we given up on rational discussions? We no longer talk TO each other—instead, we talk AT each other.

What’s causing this tidal wave of mindless and aggressive chatter that masquerades as dialogue? Social media, while not the singular cause of our problem, appears to be the major contributor. Today, “mouths (fingers)start talking/typing before brains are engaged.” As a result, authentic dialogue and debate has been undermined and drowned out by those voices who are the loudest and most absurd.

We seem to have outsourced the critical thinking part of our brain. Facts, often, are inconvenient truths that get in the way of a good media scrum. These social media “warriors” are more concerned about leveling insults and ‘clap backs’ than informed responses. Most concerning is the dreaded algorithms that make sure we are placed in echo chambers with other like-minded people. These ‘echo chambers’ reinforces outlandish hot takes and rampant conspiracies theories. As a result, people trapped in these ‘chambers’ are learner blocked.

Their predisposition is to reject anything or anyone who disagrees with them. These echo chambers are not limited to the political right or left wings. As a result, the middle ground or the number independent thinkers are shrinking and being forced to the sidelines.

Yet, it is this middle ground and the independent thinkers that will be our salvation. Those of us who consider ourselves ‘independent thinkers ‘must aggressively insert ourselves into the deteriorating political landscape. We must strenuously promote and speak truth into existence. More specifically, I would suggest the following action steps we must initiate:

1. Avoid letting one issue, at the expense of ignoring the character of political actors, determine our vote.
2. Become a powerful listener to both sides of the political spectrum. Hear them out without insulting their intelligence. In other words, let them hear themselves without interruption.
3. Vote for individuals who are committed to the Constitution and not to a political party’s doctrine.

In summary, America’s fundamental strength lies in our “We the People” declaration of independence. While not the first time and it will not be the last time, our form of democracy is being strenuously tested—and this is a good thing. “We the People” had grown lazy and turned governing over to career politicians interested only in their re-election or increasing their political power. Now, we must wrest the government back from the people elected to represent us. We must firmly assert that we will not be governed by social media’s outbursts or sophomoric politicians looking for headlines. Enough is enough.

About The Author

Kwame S. Salter spent 22 years with Kraft Foods, where he rose to become Senior Vice President of Human Resources.  Kwame is a an author, and leadership consultant with decades of experience guiding organizations and individuals toward excellence. A respected thought leader, he occasionally contributes articles to Black Men In America.com, where he shares insights on leadership, personal growth, and the Black experience in corporate America.