Macronism

The world needs more Macron, I’ve decided.  Emmanuel Macron, the President of France,  models a pathway to communicating one’s ideas and values while maintaining civility and building relationships.  Unlike the impression given by Facebook memes, some tweets, and comments in social media, civility and the expression of opinions are not mutually-exclusive events.  What about Macron’s approach illuminates an alternative to the vitriol in words and memes on the Web?

In his approach to politics, Macron reminds us that relationships are central to the advancement of ideas.  Fostering a rapport with someone means accepting the person for who he or she might be.  In his association with Donald Trump, Macron shows that he can separate the person from the ideas or actions.  Macron knows that all people want to be liked, and have a hard time working with people they know are contemptuous of them.  As a result, he tries first to understand what Trump likes (to be complimented and treated well according to his definition of both), and then to provide for that in the relationship (for example, an invitation to visit France; a military parade; hugs and handshakes; frequent telephone conversations).   As Marc Thiessen of the Washington Post observes, « he treats the president of the United States with respect — and has found his respect reciprocated. »  All of us have that little bit of Trump in us. 

Macron makes it a point to understand how people tick.  He loves to be among people.  To find out what people think, he makes regular trips to the countryside to engage with his fellow citizens.   Like PMJT, he enjoys taking selfies with people he meets, when asked.  It’s a rapprochement of people with their government.  He believes in the importance of listening : “Yeah, you understand a lot,” he says. “You listen, you learn. Because you have direct contact, . . . you have the feeling of the people. » (quoted by Tom Sancton in Vanity Fair, April 17, 2018).  Relationships can’t happen when leaders are ensconced in an ivory tower.

Macron is no yes-man, though.  He expresses his disagreement with policy clearly, in frank but polite language.  In his address to the United States Congress last week, Macron said, “We [Macron and Trump] both know that none of us easily changes our minds, but we will work together, and we have this ability to listen to one another.”   Just like in families, he maintains.   “Let’s share the disagreements . . . To just say ‘I disagree and I don’t want to speak with you’ [is] ridiculous.”  Macron’s positions are diametrically opposed to Trump’s, yet he can vault over that barrier and focus on finding common ground in order to problem-solve.

So, what does all that mean for us?  To follow Macron’s example might require not only a lot of soul-searching, but also some daunting changes in how we do things, both in our real-life and online interactions.  In concrete terms,

·  Focus on the issue, not the person. 

Present points for and against an issue.

·  Back up one’s viewpoint with evidence from reliable sources.  

Yes, that takes work.  It means research; it means an investment of time.  It  means reading.

·  Be open to all points of view.  

Ask questions of people with whom we disagree.  If we are pro-life, let’s find out the reasons behind the pro-choice stance.  If we think a carbon tax is a good idea, let’s see why people oppose it.  If we think Canada needs to accept even more refugees, let’s learn why some people are reticent.

·  Listen.  Truly. 

Not, as I heard someone say in a meeting, I listen to what other people have to say but I won’t change my mind.  In my view, that’s hearing, not listening.  And, it’s dishonest.  Listening involves openness to the merit in another’s ideas, and merit can lead to a re-evaluation of one’s own beliefs and viewpoints, even those long-held.

·  Make the goal problem-solving, not ideology. 

The key is to find answers, no matter the political colour of the source of those ideas.

·  Refuse to name-call. 

Refuse to call people idiots, morons, and all the insults one sees on social media.  When people call  others names, and attack the person, I conclude that they have nothing else, and can’t take the time and work to become informed themselves.  I automatically dismiss their point of view.  Donald Trump is one example of that kind of person.

·  Refuse to post and share dishonest and false memes. 

You know the kind—usually in very bright colors, with an unflattering photo of the target of that meme, often replete with uncivil language and misleading or false statements.

We have an obligation as citiens to be involved in the political process.  That means sharing ideas with others.  It also means decency, and respect.  Emmanuel Macron shows us how it’s done.