Fundamental Attribution Errors

[H2O Man]

The upcoming election in MA appears to be the source of some debate on DU:GD. Much of the debate strikes me as being of some very real value – for example, my good friend David Z posted an outstanding essay that outlined his beliefs on what the status of that election means for the Democratic Party at the state and national levels. There are numerous equally valuable posts on that thread, that take the opposite position from David. This is, in my opinion, the value of this political discussion forum.

There are also a number of OP/threads that reflect a different level of understanding of both the dynamics of the MA election, and of what it means for our party. My goal today is not to engage in finger-pointing, nor to take sides in these debates. I think that there are plenty of solid points being made by those who believe in always supporting democratic candidates, and those who are more comfortable in supporting those democratic candidates who most closely reflect their values. I trust everyone to make up their own mind who they will donate their money to, which campaigns they will volunteer time for, and what lever they will press when they are inside of a voting booth.

Rather, I would like to briefly discuss a dynamic that I suspect plays a major factor in many of the more emotional, less productive arguments that continue to repeat themselves on these threads. We saw these same things in previous elections, including the 2008 democratic primaries. We are likely to endure the same type of thing in the future. Yet, if we are willing to show the same level of respect for those with opposing values and views, as we would like shown for our own, we could definitely reduce the amount of nonsense and unproductive tension that we find here today.

There is a pretty basic theory, known as “Fundamental Attribution Error,” that I submit plays a large role in promoting the road blocks that hinder rational discussion here. Many D.U.ers are no doubt familiar with this concept, and likely recognize it. There are other names for it, as well. And probably those here who are not familiar with it yet, will recognize the role it has played in disputes with those in their lives.

A simple way to illustrate it is: If I am driving down a slippery road and end up in a ditch, it was because of weather conditions; if you were driving down that same road and went into the ditch, it was because you were driving too fast, and not paying close enough attention to the weather conditions. Darned you!

It is human nature to be selective in attributing motives and responsibility, for better or for worse, to ourselves, to those who we agree with, and to those we disagree with. We are likewise selective in our application of current weather conditions, be they on this forum, in MA, or on the national level.

It is safe to say that the Bush-Cheney administration drove the nation into the ditch – indeed, a gutter that represents a cesspool of republican muck and mire – and that we worked to pull our vehicle out in the 2008 elections. We are on the road again. Some people think we are heading in the right direction, and some do not. Some people think we are being driven as safely as possible, under the present conditions, while others do not. Discussing and debating these issues is fine. But we should take care when attributing the best of motivations to ourselves, and the worst to those who disagree with us.

Peace,
H2O Man