Educated or propagandized?
As the independence movement continues to grow, everyday conversations have given us much to learn from. Most are quite productive, often beginning with the what about-isms, which is a good way to begin exploring any topic. Once ideas begin to formulate and solutions begin materialising, the fun really begins. All the ‘what about-isms’ turn into ‘what if…?’ Unfortunately, there have been a few moments where that second stage can not be reached.
On two separate occasions, I was discussing the pros and cons of Alberta independence with an older gentleman. Neither could come up with a good argument to stay. Neither were willing to hear about why we should leave. Both looked me right in the eye and said the same eleven words. “Well, I won’t be here much longer so I don’t care.”
Hearing that from the generation who raised my generation was a tough pill to swallow. Essentially, these men said they don’t care about our future, or our kid’s future, or our grandkids future, only themselves. They’re fine, so nothing else matters. Rather than get educated about how they, too, will benefit, these men have bought into the propaganda.
A friend shared with me some feedback he had received earlier this week. He asked a 30-something, well educated, higher up within AHS about how he might vote in a referendum on independence. The reply was unequivocally no and the reason was because it seems as though it is just an idea put together by a bunch of disgruntled Albertans who have no plan.
The key words in his response were ‘it seems as though…’ I questioned whether this learned guy had done any research prior to reaching his conclusion. The reply was no, and therein lies the problem. Rather than making sure to be educated, this young man is choosing to believe the propaganda.
While chatting with a couple of farmers, they had some suggestions for me. “You, need to come up with something that will speak directly to some neighbors of ours. They aren’t seeing it.”
Ok, are these guys here at this presentation?
No, they wouldn’t come.
Would they come to a presentation closer to where they live?
No, probably not.
Sooooo… why should I go to the trouble of creating a message just for them that they won’t come listen to?
They agreed that was a fair point. Rather than get educated about our options, their friends bought into the propaganda. Thankfully, these farmers were also determined to keep talking with their friends and neighbors in hopes of sowing at least a few seeds of curiosity.
With all the posts, articles, and podcasts on the topic, the information is out there. To say “I didn’t know” is a cop-out. There are also educational gatherings still taking place across the province. For those who are not comfortable going to the bigger meetings, have myself or my good friend Angela Tabak come and lead a meeting in your home on the topic. Last night I was at one just outside of Edmonton.
It was a small gathering of eight, plus me. Most were already onboard but still had questions. None realized the real gravity of the mess we are in. Two of the guests really stood out. The first had a real hard time coming to grips with what she was learning. To see clear as day that everything you thought about democracy in western Canada is a fallacy is tough. The other one that stood out couldn’t refute the facts but struggles with what it means to be a Canadian now. Admitting we are a post-nation state, he is experiencing an identity crisis, not of his own doing, yet still needs to be worked through.
These conversations need to continue. When there is an event in your area, encourage those you know to come with you and hear for themselves why we believe Independence is the answer. If they do not want to do that, have me over and host a home meeting. Let’s also remember that not everyone will agree with what we are saying, and that is okay. What matters is that we all work together to ensure Albertans go into this referendum vote armed with education rather than government propaganda.
Unfortunately, it is a fact that there will always be those who simply refuse to listen. Let’s hope they are few in number.