May 19 – Honesty in the Public Sphere: Fighting Disinformation in Politics, Media, and Online

“Truth is the only safe ground to stand on.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Honesty is essential for a healthy society, but the wider world can often be a place where dishonesty thrives. This can be seen in politics, news media, and on the internet. But there are ways we can all be agents of honesty and positive change.

Politics -

Fact-checking: Don't blindly accept what you hear from politicians or social media. There are many reputable fact-checking websites that can help you separate truth from fiction.

Voting: Educate yourself about the candidates and issues on the ballot. Vote for those who represent your values and who have a history of honesty and integrity.

Civic Engagement: Get involved in your community and hold your elected officials accountable. Let them know that honesty and transparency matter to you.

News Media -

Media Literacy: Be critical of the information you consume. Consider the source and their potential biases. Look for reputable news outlets with a history of fact-checking and unbiased reporting.

Supporting Quality Journalism: Many news organizations are struggling financially. Consider subscribing to reputable news sources or donating to support investigative journalism.

The Internet -

Avoiding Clickbait: Sensational headlines are often designed to mislead and generate clicks. Be cautious of anything that seems too good, or bad, to be true.

Verifying Information: Don't share information online unless you've verified its accuracy. A quick internet search can often reveal if something is legitimate or a hoax.

Promoting Civil Discourse: Social media can be a breeding ground for misinformation and negativity. Strive to have honest and respectful conversations, even with those you disagree with.

“The civility of no race can be perfect whilst another race is degraded. It is a doctrine alike of the oldest and of the newest philosophy, that man is one, and that you cannot injure any member without a sympathetic injury to all the members.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the dishonesty in the world. But remember, every honest action, big or small, makes a difference. By being a responsible consumer of information, holding those in power accountable, and promoting respectful dialogue, we can all help create a wider world that values truth and integrity.

“‘Segregation’, to use the terminology of the Jewish philosopher Martin Buber, substitutes an ‘I-it’ relationship for an ‘I-thou’ relationship and ends up relegating persons to the status of things.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Remember, honesty is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy and a just society. By actively promoting it in all areas of life, we can build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

Activity: Fact-check a news article you've seen shared online. Use reputable fact-checking websites, for example snopes.com, to verify its accuracy.

My book, Nurturing Hopeful Resilience,  guides parents and caregivers through the challenges of raising children in a technology-driven age. It explores the importance of instilling strong values in children from a young age to help them develop into compassionate, responsible, and fulfilled individuals.

Through a series of practical exercises and insightful reflections, this book delves into fourteen core values: curiosity, awareness, kindness, learning, self-awareness, fairness, playfulness, compassion, service, belonging, trustworthiness, authenticity, community, and responsibility. Understanding and nurturing these values can empower our children to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world.

This book offers a roadmap for raising children who are academically successful, emotionally intelligent, socially adept, and morally grounded. It encourages readers to prioritize human connection, empathy, and compassion over material possessions and fleeting digital distractions. By embracing the power of values, we can create a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.