The Personal Website of Mark W. Dawson

Attack the Messenger

When the message is troubling a common counterpoint is to attack the messenger. This is done in the hope that the message will not be talked about. Of course, the messenger must be considered. After all, the messenger may have a bias or agenda that taints the message. It is also incumbent upon the messenger to supply evidence that the message is correct. After you consider the messengers’ character, and the evidence supplied, you should then determine if the message may be correct. Even if the messenger character is lacking in some aspect if the message is supported by evidence the message must be considered. Even if you do not particularly care for the messenger or disagree with their politics or policies, if there is evidence to support the message you must consider the message. To attack the messenger to avoid consideration of the message is not acceptable if the message has supporting evidence.

We have also seen an increase of disparagement of persons that are about to deliver a message that is unwelcome by one side or the other. This is a per-emptive attack in hopes that the message will be ignored or discounted. This is even more unacceptable as the message and supporting evidence is not even known at the time of the attack. This attack is often done utilizing the "The Three D's (Demonize, Denigrate, Disparage) of Modern Political Debate".

As any reader of my website knows I am a big fan of Dennis Prager. I believe he has much knowledge and wisdom to impart. S.I.X.H.I.R.B. is Dennis Prager's acronym for the debate-ending names conservatives are called by liberals. If you disagree with the Left, you are one, multiple, or all of the following; “S.I.X.H.I.R.B.” – Sexist, Intolerant, Xenophobic, Homophobic, Islamophobic, Racist, Bigoted.

My thoughts on his S.I.X.H.I.R.B. relates to my article on “Divisiveness in America”, for which I wish to expand in regards to this topic. Political opponents in today's society often utilize the dialog and debate methodology to "The Three D's (as hyperlinked earlier)" on an opponent when discussing issues, policies, and personages, and S.I.X.H.I.R.B. is one of the methods a liberal/progressive often utilizes when debating a conservative. This is often done for two reasons; an attempt to intimidate the opponent into silence or to try to get the audience to not pay heed to what the conservative is saying.  It is also utilized when a liberal/progressive fails to make an intelligent and reasonable response to what a conservative has said and they resort to calling the conservative a S.I.X.H.I.R.B to distract from their failure.

Except in an extreme far-right personage, these adjectives are not usually accurate, nor are they provable to a reasonable person. The liberal/progressive simply believes that if you disagree with their policies or position you must be a S.I.X.H.I.R.B. This comes from the liberal/progressive attitude of their own moral superiority and that they have the only moral and correct policies and positions. To disagree with a liberal/progressive is proof enough for them that you must be a S.I.X.H.I.R.B.  To disagree with a liberal/progressive does not make you a S.I.X.H.I.R.B., it only means that you differ with their policy or position.

Therefore, whenever I listen to a debate or discussion, and one person attacks the messenger or calls another a S.I.X.H.I.R.B., I become very wary. I am also disturbed as this is an attempt to stifle discussion and debate and prevent the exchange of reasonable and intelligent discussion or debate on policies and positions. It also makes me reevaluate the person, and the policy and position, of the person who attacks the messenger or evoked a S.I.X.H.I.R.B. charge. I would suggest that you do the same.

When a messenger is attacked  we should also remember the words of the Bard:

Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,
Is the immediate jewel of their souls:
Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing;
’twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.
- Shakespeare  ...  Othello