Living and Learning in a Cynical World-The "Conan Challenge"

When I first began thinking about writing this blog, I never thought that one of the postings would be inspired by Conan O'Brien.  Yet, on his final appearance as the host of the Tonight Show, O'Brien made a statement that spoke to one of the primary motivations for launching Disruptive Reflections.

O'Brien simply said, "Don't be cynical." He addressed this plea to the young people in the audience.

Over the past several years, I have become increasingly concerned by the vitriolic tone that has  come to characterize our national discourse.  Surprisingly, it doesn't even seem to matter what the topic happens to be.  Important issues such as climate change, energy independence, health care and even education become battlegrounds where the personal integrity of those working to understand the issues is impugned and their motives questioned.

Certainly, mass media and the new social media have exacerbated the situation.  Reality TV shows, that thrive on exposing sinister motives and duplicitous behavior, have certainly contributed.  Political radio and television shows that advocate for only one point of view and then engage in character assassination of those who do not agree, have also degraded the national discourse.  Social media, while providing an opportunity for unprecedented levels of participation in the national discussion, is also prone to manipulation by highly organized special interest groups posing as grass roots initiatives. 

Cynicism has little difficulty finding evidence to support it.  News media love a scandal and there seems to be no shortage of politicians and other public figures who are more than willing to provide the story.  Cynicism, though, poses as great a threat to our personal well-being and that of our society as the most pernicious virus.  Rather than attacking our body, it attacks our spirit.

How can we, as a people and as a nation, hope to solve the complex problems that face us if we cannot discuss them in a thoughtful and respectful manner?  How can we, as educators, prepare our students to live and learn in a world prone to cynicism without becoming cynical themselves?  It is the "Conan Challenge" and it is one that every educator must meet.