Simplifying complexities and the Consequences
Complexity in human life has increased over the years as society has evolved. Our society is more complex, science is more complex and it is inevitable as humans build on the past knowledge to become more sophisticated. One of the consequences of this is that it has become difficult for an individual to grasp any topic in-depth without spending considerable time and effort into it. It is difficult to boil down these complex topics into simple words, which can be understood easily by a layman.
Ironically, at the same time, an urge to ‘dumb down’ complex things is at the peak. Because people are reluctant to spend time and effort to understand the issue or topic in detail for an apparent paucity of time. Also, society has created a false impression that every complex issue can be easily explained and can be understood by everyone (If the issues had been so simple, then people would not have spent their entire lives studying it!). Hence, there has been a proliferation of avenues that supposedly break down difficult issues for a layman. Media and experts being a few of them. In my opinion, this interpretation of complex issues into simple words is as dangerous as fake news.
These interpretations are technically not fake news but can have equally disastrous consequences. Such interpretations are like the story of six blind men and an elephant. They are telling the truth, but it’s only one aspect of the truth. And in the echo chambers of social media, they are getting amplified as the only truth *for the followers of that source*.
Take an example of the current controversy about CAB in India- there are really varied aspects of the bill and Indian citizenship as a whole (and comparison with citizenship laws of other countries). I do not understand it fully and hence cannot comment on it. But at the same time, I refuse to accept simplified interpretations of the law from both left and right. Both could be correct in what they are saying, but possibly obfuscating the other side. Even the videos of violence posted by both sides could be correct, but refusing to accept that there could be another side of my truth, we are creating results similar to fake news.
Consider a hypothetical case of interpreting Mahabharata. One interpreter could claim it as an utterly violent novel, where cousins fight against each other. Others can interpret it as a novel that tells a beautiful story of the complexities of human life and how one should follow dharma. Both are correct in own way, but to understand it fully, one needs to read it. (Shameless plugin: I also with my friend Hrisheekesh Sabnis had started a podcast, which aimed to study current topics in-depth to provide a balanced perspective. https://thereasonableindian.podbean.com/).
Another risk with interpretations is that it is fraught with biases. All of us, including me, have biases and hence, any interpretation of the issue (including this blog) should always be taken with a pinch of salt. And that is precisely why there are multiple interpretations- everyone amplifies the aspects, which suits their bias.
So what are the potential solutions for this issue of half-truths? The best way, of course, is to study the topic in depth. But more you learn more you realize how complex the topic is and how silly the interpretations (especially media headlines) are. In case one doesn't want to spend time and effort studying it, s/he should accept that they haven’t fully grasped the issue. That is ok, there are too many things in this complex world that one cannot grasp all. One can accept one of the interpretations also, but then s/he must understand that it’s only one interpretation and there could be other truths also. Or even better read as many interpretations as possible to get a balanced perspective. Unfortunately, in today’s echo chambers where algorithms reinforce your existing beliefs, that’s the most challenging part.
