I'm Always Right

There is a hot debate in my community.

The Municipal and Provincial Governments have teamed up to build low barrier housing in Nanaimo, BC. The purpose of this project is to house those with addictions and mental illness. The use of illicit drugs (inside their rooms) would not result in the eviction of residents. Nanaimoites are divided on the issue, and with good reason. (I am not going to dive into these reasons here, because I fear the word-storm that may result in the comments box. Perhaps some other time.) Few of us are experts on mental health, and so we speculate the effects that such a facility would have on our community and compare them with the effects of doing nothing. Some have spoken out creatively and suggested amendments to the plan which would adjust the consequences of the project.

Personally, I'm quite happy that public dialogue has shifted from digitization of power meters and minor changes in the tax structure to an issue which is much more relevant.

When a person debates any topic, they can have a confirmation bias. This phenomenon causes one to actively seek out information that confirms his existing opinion, while rejecting information that opposes it. In other words, I am always correct because those who disagree are always wrong. While this bias, coupled with pride, leads to some very exciting debates, it often makes effective conversation impossible. For evidence of this bias, refer to the Letters to the Editor column in any edition of the Nanaimo Bulliten. By becoming aware of our confirmation bias, we can begin to participate in meaningful and productive discussions, which can help to progress our society.

Hopefully, this hot debate can result in actions which improve the lives of those who need housing and those who already have it.