Doomscrolling through the Facebook can be hazardous to your health if you are not careful. But when a friend posted these “6 common logical fallacies” it was like a breath of fresh air (even through my mask). Originally posted by Daniel Smith, these images go through 6 things to avoid when you are discussing racism and police brutality with someone who disagrees with you. I’ve posted the images without knowing who the creator of the images are, but I am assuming it is Daniel. So here are the the six with image descriptions.
6 Common Logical Fallacies When Talking About Racism and Police Brutality
Straw Man Fallacy
Arguing against an oversimplified or distorted version of your opponent’s argument.
Example: Distorting the #BlackLivesMatter movement by saying that its supporters hate all police and white people.
Anecdotal Evidence Fallacy
Using a personal example to determine the entire arguement.
Examples: Dismissing police brutality because you personally haven’t experienced it. Asserting that racism isn’t real because you have black friends.
False Dilemma Fallacy
Turning a complex issue into an argument between two inherently opposed sides.
Example: Reducing the issue of police brutality to supporting the police or supporting black people, instead of acknowledging that you can constructively do both.
Ad Hominem Fallacy
Attacking the person making the argument, instead of the argument itself. The name comes from Latin for ‘against the man.’
Examples: Stating that someone is uneducated, therefore their opinion is invalid. Calling someone a snowflake instead of engaging in an informed discussion.
Red Herring Fallacy
Diverting away from the actual argument by bringing up another issue.
Example: Using incidents of black-on-black crime or civilians killing police as a reason to do nothing about racism or police brutality.
Remember to Listen
Waiting for someone to finish talking or typing is not the same as listening.
Figure out what they’re actually saying and respond directly to their concerns in a thoughtful manner.
Remember to be Respectful
Comprehending complex layers of systemic racism and confronting one’s own guilt in maintaining a racist status-quo takes a lot of emotional energy and courage.
If someone is genuinely trying to learn, be willing to give grace and speak respectfully.