Like many other college students, I caucused this year. In fact, I was elected a delegate. This 2008 election is like no other with its high density of young adult participation. As a grassroots activist, this is so exciting! Upon completing the readings for the day I had to ask myself something… Was choosing my favored candidate a result of groupthink? Let’s just say I hate conflict and often just go with the flow to avoid the unnecessary drama. TRUST ME, at this caucus drama was to be had – I’ve never seen so many passionate people shoving their opinions on me! Since I went in “undecided” – oh those people were on me like white on rice…
Definition of Groupthink:
1. the practice of approaching problems or issues as matters that are best dealt with by consensus of a group rather than by individuals acting independently; conformity.
2. the lack of individual creativity, or of a sense of personal responsibility, that is sometimes characteristic of group intereaction.
Even in a less then friendly environment though, I should favor whichever candidate is more promising, and I do strongly believe this. Then why am I, likely one of most, susceptible to falling into the crowd?
“We ought to be analyzing what the candidates propose and whether they possess the skills and character traits to get it done.” J. Patrick Coolican, Las Vegas Sun.
When majority rules, who decides to be a minority? Often times we cannot pick which group we fall into, but often times we can. Though likely subconscious, I believe we make most of our decisions based on conformity. Coolican’s article addressed the issue of groupthink beautifully. People stick together. People aren’t always as rationale in groups. And in an election process where we are forced to come together, the outcome is a scary thought. This means that we might choose a President because someone said it might be a good idea and it just so happened to have the stickiness factor.
As bloggers, we have a job. This job is to uncover the truth about the Presidential candidates; to dig up as much dirt as we can find and to encourage others to make decisions based upon every textual piece of evidence out there. POLITIFACT.COM — CHECK YOUR SOURCES ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL! Presentation is key – stick to journalistic values: objective news. Not only is investigation necessary, but good old fashioned observation. Seeing how events play out in election season can usually serve as a voice of reason. Form those opinions for yourself.
Now, I’m not sure if we can ever steer away from the sometimes awful effect of groupthink. Generally speaking, we like reassurance that our beliefs are just. Perhaps the solution to picking the “best” candidate is simply gathering as much unbiased information as we can. Bouncing ideas off of each other is completely healthy and essential, after all. Get your information from various sources with opposing viewpoints. Go to Republican blogs, go to Democratic blogs, and go to the Independent blogs! Just do it before your friends tell you to…
