There is only one movie up for Oscars that I have any interest in seeing win, “American Fiction.” This movie has the guts to call out all liberal media, book publishers, and Hollywood producers who have made it clear that the only narratives they will allow to be seen support their woke worldview.
In “American Fiction,” an author snubbed by publishers because his novels are not “black” enough decides to play a joke on the publishing industry by changing his identity to a fugitive who writes in graphic terms about what it’s “supposed to be” like to be a “black” in America. The book fits the liberal narrative and earns the author an offer of $750,000, a new movie contract, and award consideration. He’s disgusted by the liberal bias but plays along only to see a disturbing reality play out. The truth is that it pays to support liberal narratives.
Most of the Oscar nominations and comments at the ceremony prove a left-wing bias every year. That’s why fewer and fewer conservatives even watch. Where is the consideration for popular movies like “Sound of Freedom” or “Boys in the Boat?” They don’t fit the Left narratives that “nothing bad comes across an open border” or “nothing good comes out of America.”
It's true that we all tend to fall victim to “selective scanning.” It’s tempting to search for information sources that reinforce what we want to believe. Both sides of the divide tend to say the same thing—“If you knew the ‘facts,’ you would know the ‘truth,’ ‘OK, my truth!’” Both sides of any divide have a narrative with “facts” and “expert opinion” to back their position.
There are numerous examples of well-defended narratives that keep America divided:
The COVID Vaccines are good for you vs. The COVID Vaccines have the potential to do more harm than good (You can find some research and anecdotal evidence that vaccines work and similar evidence that some people have died or developed serious illnesses).
Climate Change will result in man’s destructive vs. Climate Change has multiple causes, and we can do little to change (Clearly, there is evidence of man doing damage to the environment, and there is evidence that there have been extended warm and cold periods throughout earth’s existence with or without man).
Entitlement Programs are essential to help those who can’t help themselves. Entitlement Programs foster government dependency and prevent self-sufficiency (It’s true that people need help, but it is best provided by a distant government bureaucracy or by family, friends, and local charities who can access needs and provide focused assistance and support).
Undocumented Aliens should receive government assistance and have a path to citizenship; Illegal Aliens have committed crimes and should be deported (There is evidence that some who have crossed the open border have committed terrible crimes, but it’s also true that some have been good workers with strong family values).
Both leading candidates for the 2024 Presidential election are loved and hated. They have counter-narratives depending on your side of the divide.
The left’s Trump narrative is predictable. Once elected, President Trump will be a “dictator,” “seek revenge,” “be fatal to the American experiment,” “a felon,” and “a threat to democracy.” In Short, the left’s message is simple, “Trump is dangerous for America and should be in jail.”
The right’s narrative couldn’t be more different. President Trump will “restore America,” “ensure our freedoms,” “destroy the deep state,” and “defend the Constitution.” In short, “Trump’s been victimized by politicized accusations and will save the America we love if he can just be elected.” Both can find statements from Trump’s speeches and past actions to attempt to justify their claims.
To the right, President Biden is “senile,” a “bumbling idiot,” “too old,” “an un-American traitor,” “a ‘big guy” crook,” and “dangerous to the future of America and should be impeached and in jail.” To the left, Biden has “helped keep America open to immigrants,” “helped prevent a climate calamity,” “provides necessary benefits for minorities,” “makes the rich pay their fair share,” and “is the only person in the way of a rightwing dictatorship.” Both views can find ammunition to support their claims.
Notice that neither side likes you to watch a whole speech. They want you to see just the clips and evidence that reinforce their own narratives about the candidate. Welcome to soundbite politics!
The 2024 election is too important for our future to be left with biased narratives about two candidates. It is not just the President that you elect; it is the people and the policies they bring with them that will determine the course for America’s future.
Instead of limiting yourself to biased narratives, there is much to consider in making and informed decision on who to elect. Both candidates have a record to look at. What are their major accomplishments? Do you support what they did as President? Now, look to the future. Join those who are demanding that both parties lay out their Contract with America. What are the top five promises and priorities for each party?
Let’s get beyond the name-calling and demand that they come before the people to debate the issues that matter most. Both these candidates are more than the narratives we have created. Let’s hear from them directly and then vote. To do less is not responsible citizenship and is detrimental to the future of our amazing country.
Terry Paulson is Ph.D. psychologist, author, and professional speaker on Earned Optimism, Making Change Work, Claiming Your American Dream, and Becoming a Conservative Values Voter. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.