'It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.' - Aristotle
Life is about perspectives. Doubly so for politics. The ability to analyze from different perspectives is key to the making of a great political analyst. You must be able to look at issues from all the angles, including the ones that you do not necessarily agree with.I put it to you, dear reader, that this is the secret to great analysis.
This is especially significant in today's tech savvy world where everyone and anyone can voice their opinion and claim to be giving an analysis. Analysis by its nature implies looking at multiple perspectives, comparing, contrasting and finding a meeting point or, hopefully, a way forward. This contrasts heavily with social media commentary which is seen to be, many times, extremely one sided. Unfortunately this trend is also seeping into mainstream media which has a significant influence on the populace.
This issue of perspectives also cultivates objectivity. A great analyst should give an objective view of the topic of analysis, otherwise they are simply giving their opinion....and in analysis, opinion doesn't count for much. It is not the duty of the analyst to make the decision for the reader. In order to be a great analyst, one must examine the different perspectives objectively...and perhaps give recommendations, which must also be examined objectively.
It has been said that, 'Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity.' Nothing truer has been said in regards to moulding a great analyst. And here, I refer to 'emotional distance'. Emotive analysis, is no analysis. It falls closer to personal opinion. Emotions mixed in analysis clouds the mind of the analyst, who is then unable to objectively analyze the different perspectives.
To fly an attache's desk, political analysis....proper political analysis is a must have skill and the key is the ability to argue both sides and to go as far as being the 'Devil's advocate'
Further from being the Devil's advocate and giving facts rather than opinion. Unfortunately, this is heavily lacking in the analysis of the so- called analysts!
ReplyDeleteIncreasingly, we have opinion rather than analysis. This is acceptable in social media circles but not on other platforms such as the news..
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Balanced. Incisive and objective. Devil's advocate???
ReplyDeleteYes to Devil's advocate. We must be comprehensive and include the perspective of those who are perceived as wrong...or being on the wrong side of 'mainstream'
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