How To Extinguish A Lie, Derail Deception And Win An Argument: Use A Psychologist’s Tip That Works Every Time
Keep global warming and other topics fact-based
We live in an era of fake news, “alternate facts” and false truths. Sadly, lies often get repeated and persist regardless of their bases in facts. Unwitting people can assume the lies are true and live in a bubble of lies. Some would have us believe Mayor Giuliani when he said, “truth isn’t truth”. What are your favorite false myths about climate change? Here are a few of mine:
“The earth is getting colder.“
“Preeminent Climatologist Michael Mann is a fraud.“
“Climate change is a hoax to support greedy scientists.“
Given the constant flow of falsehoods like these, funded at almost a billion dollars a year, how can you extinguish a lie?
Linguist George Lakoff has the perfect fix for the non-truths that deliberately cause confusion and deception about global warming. In his book, Don’t Think Of An Elephant. He says when we say something like “don’t think of an elephant” our brain subconsciously thinks of an elephant whether we intend to or not.
When we say things like “climate change is not a hoax” even though we are attempting to discredit the lie that says climate change is a hoax, the listener’s brain is subconsciously connecting the concepts of “climate change” and “hoax”. We are inadvertently giving an incorrect idea life in the mind of the listener. The best way for a myth or lie to die is to leave it alone. Repeating fallacies only reinforces them subconsciously in our minds.
But Lakoff also says we must attack the myths and not let them go unanswered. How do we attack the myth without repeating it? I asked George this question and he answered, “Reply with a truth sandwich.” He summarized what this means succinctly in a tweet:
“1. Start with the truth. The first frame gets the advantage.
2. Indicate the lie. Avoid amplifying the specific language if possible.
3. Return to the truth. Always repeat truths more than lies.”
Thus, our response to the “Climate change is a hoax” myth might go like this:
1. Climate change has been studied scientifically in-depth for over forty years and 97% of climate scientists believe human-made climate change is real and it has devastating consequences for our children and grandchildren.
2. Some have spread false lies that climate change isn’t real.
3. Again, 97% of climate scientists believe human-made climate change is real and it has devastating consequences for our world, our children, and grandchildren.
It is important to do this every time when dealing with incorrect myths and false information. Over time, repetition works. Repeat the truth over and over. Eventually the lie will be extinguished if you refuse to let it live.
So the next time you hear a false statement, reach for the truth sandwich. Lean into it and kill the lie. Our democracy depends on it.
