So how has the political conversation and climate in #skpoli become so broken? Well, that's a big question. There are a couple of factors. I'll discuss them here, and how I think we can address some of them. Unrolled at the end. 🧵...
The first, and most significant factor is social media. There is an insidious online pipeline that leads people into hateful and extreme comments/views. (extended video below. It is an essential watch for...literally anyone taking part in online forums.)
People post articles, and they start spamming comments about Trudeau, or Liberals, or NDP, or whatever grinds their gears. But there's something worth noting. They never, ever engage with the content. They just attack the person. Usually by instantly attacking them with a label.
These are usually benign terms, being weaponized simply with the addition of a sneer. "You must be NDP", "The woke left", and my favourite "union supporter". But try talking about ideas, and they just attack. It's conflict. It breaks people into teams.
This one is tough, but the truth is, those views aren't particularly durable, and the way out is complex. The video details clear options, such as personal connection, exposure to diverse media, disconnecting from the internet, and more. Really, you gotta watch it.
The next, and much more complex challenge, is our media environment. A major political donor to the Sask Party is a media company that runs a very Sask Party friendly radio show every day during the morning drive.
I'm not here to litigate whether or not that's appropriate, or tell you how to feel about Gormley. It's just a fact. It influences the political conversation in this province, for better or for worse. And there's no equally accessible left-leaning talk format alternative.
As a result, the Sask Party/Conservative agenda can often drive the conversation in the province, just because they get the airtime. Friendly on-air chit-chats give the premier a chance to communicate with the public that other groups just don't have.
The third, and most important to address, is the way that our government addresses its opposition. Both its official opposition, and its political opposition. While they follow the official rules of decorum diligently and act breathlessly insulted every time someone says they...
said something "untrue", the government doesn't pay any regard to the opposition at all. They treat them with total contempt. They mock and deride them. They refuse to listen or meet. They refused to talk with Tristan Durocher. They refuse to meet with basically anyone.
This is a big problem. The NDP received 140000 votes last election (about 31.5%). They represent those people, and our government ignores and derides them. We know there's politics in question period, and there's games they play. But open contempt for bipartisanship is insulting.
How do we fix this one? That's the tricky bit. Demand better. Hold our government to account. Write letters. Call offices. Call them out. But there's one thing everybody should be doing. Watch question period. It's easy to access.
legassembly.sk.ca
legassembly.sk.ca
Watch and see the contempt that the government speaks with. They don't answer questions. They don't express concern. They just preside imperiously and high-five themselves so hard I'm surprised they don't suffer more shoulder injuries.
The message that it sends is, if you aren't on their side, they don't care about you. They say it again and again with their actions. They've become so removed from the people of this province that unless you show up at golf tournaments or fancy banquets, they aren't interested.
Last, a reminder to myself, and maybe you too, if you need it. Own your labels. When they try to label you, wear it like a badge of honour. This thread came to mind because I posted about improving education and got one response that just said "NDP??" like it was a gotcha.
That's actually the moment that prompted me to join the party. I realised that the only reason it felt like an insult was because I let it. Own who you are, and what you believe. Cynicism doesn't know what to do when it meets someone with the courage of their convictions.
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