Moderation rocks

Moderation rocks. In my mind I hear these two words to the tune of ‘revolution Rock’ by The Clash.

More and more I think we need to rise up as moderates, and to campaign for unity and tolerance in the face of polarisation from various sides.  

The dangers of polarisation include a split society, divided homes and communities, and extremists bombing our cities - radicalised people intent on destruction.  We can choose whether we want to watch our society become more divided, with closed groups alienated from each other, or more connected, exploring possibilities and what we have in common.  Surely neither our religion nor the pigment in our skin is sufficient reason to hate others?

If we think about what polarisation means in practice it is a salutary experience.  It implies a win/lose approach to life, a belief in dogma over understanding, the certainty of knowing one is right over appreciating that different views can all hold wisdom.   Some use religion as fuel for righteous indignation of certainty rather than seeking a harmony of difference; ultimately this can lead to selection, bigotry and even wars.  I’m blessed, you’re damned. Centuries ago the Christian crusades epitomised this trend, nowadays extremist attacks demonstrate that the righteous arrogance of certainty can overflow into violence. 

In politics, polarisation tends to create extremism, ideology and seeking control, as we have seen in recent British politics as well as many right wing groups across Europe.  It seems to have become unfashionable to seek a moderate  balance between social care and the economic benefits of responsible capitalism.  However, such political pragmatism can enable people to achieve great things with their lives, to achieve their dreams. 

We need to become advocates for moderation, for a connected world in which social policy is based on fairness and equality, and an intolerance of the polarisation that threatens to overrun our hard fought for traditions of liberal opportunity for all. We need to stand up for a connected world in which we are free to express our views, free to exchange views, and free to influence and be influenced.  We are faced by increasingly aggressive forces of polarisation. If we remain quiet we may end up regretting our reticence.

What do you think? Please tweet @simonjhayward with the hashtag #moderationrocks and let me know.