Whenever I had the opportunity to have dialogues with Members of Parliament (especially during undergrad days), it is not uncommon to hear one or several of them say something to the effect of: ‘i remember 20 years ago, i was as enthusiastic and idealistic as you (read: naive and unrealistic), but now that i am older or now that i have access to data, my opinions on certain issues have changed.’
Despite the apparent condescension in the statement, this is of course a possibility. One must be humble enough to admit – especially the younger ones – without experience and full access to information, one may not be able to fully comprehend a situation.
At the same time, there exists other possibilities. It could also be possible that being bounded by a political party’s norms and values has changed an individual’s perspectives. The individual could then reason with himself that ‘oh it’s ok for me to sacrifice my values on this small matter, because in doing so i will generate greater good for my community’, when in fact he/she is in delusion. The ‘greater good’ consideration could just ultimately be an individual’s attempt to reconcile his/her cognitive dissonance.
Just like how ordinary people should constantly reflect on whether their opinions are fair given the specific political circumstances, politicians should consistently contemplate whether they are serving the needs and interests of the people, or whether they are just being loyal to the party – any party – at the expense of others.
Source: Walid J. Abdullah
