Bill Gates, at Odds With Trump on Virus, Becomes a Right-Wing Target NYT
This particular conspiracy theory – or at least parts of it – is one that I have seen circulating multiple times already on social media, and it is discouraging, to say the least. In an era in which strong, cooperative leadership and community – both local and global – are so important, engages in baseless conspiracy theories is wildly counterproductive.
To be clear, I do not agree with Bill Gates, or his foundation, on everything. I disagree with the tax and other systems that allowed him, and others, to become so wealthy. Also, naturally, as with any development organization or foundation, I don’t agree with every planning, programming or funding decision that he or the org have made (although I have spent only minimal time accessing, so that’s a fairly superficial assessment.)
Regardless of any policy or program disagreements that I may have, there is absolutely no place for these kinds of attacks or conspiracy theories. They are fundamentally inappropriate and must stop. I am no engaging on the specifics of the topic at hand here – just the fundamental process of how we engage in positive and meaningful public dialogue, including civil society, government, faith groups, non-profits, public health and others.
From that perspective, there are a few things that are needed, including:
– Respect: If we do not start from a fundamental place of respect for others, everything that comes later will be tainted. A strong civil society is better equipped to discern baseless conspiracy theories and not give them traction.
– Shared Values and an end to Polarization: Any conversation that becomes black and white, like this, is likely to end poorly. When the discussion becomes “I do option A and I’m right, so anybody who doesn’t do option A is bad”, the conversation has little value, and will likely do a lot of harm. To be very clear, that does NOT include tolerating hate speech of any kind, violence against anybody or other similar things. It does mean, however, that more cooperation and less polarization would do the world a lot of good right now. 🙂
– Cooperative, respectful leadership: Leaders that enflame tension, belittle others or use a crisis to justify their own authoritarian tendencies cause problems for everyone. Humble, cooperative and respectful leadership is needed from everyone.
So, here’s hoping for an end to the conspiracy theories, and a positive, cooperative, respectful future. Happy weekend everyone! 🙂
