Enough with one-upmanship!

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

IT’S actually a very shameless thing to do. But it’s just amazing that many of us resort to this clearly anomalous thing to push our particular view and opinion, especially in the field of politics.

As defined, one-upmanship is when someone tries to outdo or one-up others, often by boasting or showing off their achievements, skills or possessions. It can be playful, but it can also come across as annoying, destructive and harmful if taken too far.

And this is especially so with regard to politically partisan one-upmanship that is common nowadays. This can take place when there is some kind of competitive posturing. That is when politicians and their supporters try to appear more committed or passionate about their party’s cause.

Apart from that, this politically partisan one-upmanship takes place when some outrageous claims are made, that is, when exaggerated or unsubstantiated statements are made to gain attention or support.

It is also done through virtue signaling, that is, when one’s own moral superiority or commitment to a particular cause is publicly displayed. This usually goes together with bashing anyone or any party with a different or opposing position if only to appear stronger or more favorable.

With this shameless politically partisan one-upmanship, we can only expect polarization and division among the people that can only lead to lack of constructive dialogue and compromise. Its only purpose is to win rather than solving concrete problems and resolving specific issues. The approach is always competitive and aggressive.

Obviously, to counter this politically partisan one-upmanship, a thoughtful approach is needed. This can mean that we should be focused on issues, rather than on ego, emphasizing the issue at hand, rather than getting drawn into competitive posturing.

It would be better if we would just ask questions rather than to quickly accuse those with different or conflicting opinions. Yes, critical thinking by asking questions so as to clarify positions or challenge assumptions should be encouraged, and done always in a courteous manner.

More than anything else, everyone should try to seek common ground, knowing that despite differences and conflicts in opinions, we can always share something in common. We should rather highlight shared values or goals so as to build bridges and foster collaboration among the different parties involved.

Also, we should not shy away from calling out in a polite way a questionable performative behavior of a person or party. Everyone should be reminded to focus the exchanges on substance rather than on virtue signaling and gaslighting.

We should try to come up with respectful dialogue among the different groups, showing that this constructive conversation is possible by listening actively and responding thoughtfully.

We need to clean up the field of public opinion, injecting with the spirit proper to our dignity as persons and brothers and sisters who have to care for one another despite our differences and conflicts.

Let’s always remember that our freedom of speech and expression can never do away with the requirements of charity. Even in the bitterest of our conflicts, we should always be charitable, ready to understand the others, to ask for pardon if we commit some mistake and to forgive when others commit them, etc.

We cannot deny that in matters of opinion we will always have differences and conflicts. We just have to learn how to be civil in arguing our points and in sorting out the differences. We have to learn this art, now so relevant and urgent given the growing complexity of our times.

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com