The world suffers under a dictatorship of no alternatives. Although ideas all by themselves are powerless to overthrow this dictatorship, we cannot overthrow it without ideas.

— Robert Mangabeira Unger

In my previous column, ‘Politicians and the language of leadership’, published on Emancipation Day, August 1, 2023, I explored the leadership crisis gripping our nation and the nuances of political discourse. The response from readers spanned a broad spectrum of emotions — measured reflection, pessimism, irritation, and even some harsh disapproval of my reference to Winston Churchill.

Among the reactions, one reader questioned my decision to select Juliet Holness as one of my specially admitted students for my leadership class over the Speaker of the House of Representatives: “Why pussyfoot around and not recruit Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, instead of her deputy,” he complained with some amount of irritation.

Another cynically stated: “Getting them to change would be sheer futility. They are rather comfortable with who they are.”

One e-mail I received was particularly pointed in its criticism: “I saw your most recent article in the Jamaica Observer and, although I agree with the classlessness from our leadership, you went on to be in awe of racist bigots like Winston Churchill. You so-called learned folks remind me so much of the house slaves.”

Another reader provided a more constructive perspective: “I often observe that when many politicians speak, there is not much said to rouse our nation to achieve lofty goals through inspiration targeted at our Jamaica project. I particularly appreciate that you said, ‘When politicians communicate, they aren’t merely exchanging information, they’re also addressing hopes, fears, and values… enabling them to express empathy, inspire trust, and mobilise their constituents towards a shared vision.’ “

Former Prime Minister P J Patterson also weighed in on the increasing degradation of political discourse: “Utterances from some in the political sphere and positions of authority belittle us as a nation and undermine respect for all. Public respect is rapidly descending to an all-time low. The language used routinely is distasteful, disgraceful, and the tone of their delivery is devoid of respect,” he declared in a piece carried in the Observer on Friday, August 4, 2023.

This is not the first time Patterson has sought to be a voice of reason regarding public political discourse. In September 2022 he lamented the nation’s fatigue with political infighting in the People’s National Party (PNP), urging members of his party to promote messages of unity and inspiration while remaining firmly supportive of party leader Mark Golding. Even Prime Minister Andrew Holness recently called on his leaders to moderate the tone of remarks made about the Integrity Commission as a body.

Our political discourse has been found wanting, reflecting a broader societal problem. As we navigate these turbulent times, it becomes increasingly vital for leaders, commentators, and citizens alike to engage in a discourse that uplifts and unites, rather than divides.

There is an urgent need for respectful communication and visionary leadership in the interest of our beloved nation. If we are to envision the future Republic of Jamaica we must reach a level of maturity that allows us to craft our own destiny as a nation. This means breaking free from the colonial constraints of the monarchy and engaging in political discourse with respect, decency, and maturity.

Ecosystem (not ego system)

The concept of a leadership ecosystem emphasises the importance of collaboration, the value of diverse voices, the necessity of being responsive to the public’s needs, and the criticality of adopting an adaptive approach, especially when navigating intricate political challenges and shaping public messaging. A friend of mine recently commented: “Too much ego in Gordon House.” I would go further and say, there’s too much ego everywhere.

I’ve always believed that political discourse arises when politicians engage in an open, unhindered exchange of ideas, policy positions, and ideologies. Even when confronted with viewpoints diametrically opposite to their own it is important that opposing sides seek understanding to delve into why such a perspective exists. Authentic open-mindedness, underpinned by a dedication to purpose and unwavering intellectual integrity, is paramount.

As I observe the political discourse it’s evident that their constructive quotient is sorely lacking. There is a significant gap in our current discourse. There’s an urgent need for a robust intellectual framework — a way of thinking that rises above the fray and traditional ideologies and recognises the inherent complexities and ambiguities of the challenge we face as a nation and offer political ideas that are big, bold, and creative.

Regarding political ideas, we are challenged by tribal green and orange politics. This is a real obstacle to transformative thinking. Traditional political ideologies and boundaries can constrain thinking and prevent the development of new ideas better suited for the problems we face today as a nation.

Respond, don’t react

We live in a politically reactive culture with a tendency that often leads sometimes to empty chatter, short-term solutions, and polarisation. What we truly need, however, is a responsive culture that values thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and long-term planning to address the complex challenges we face.

To react is to decide based on a split-second, emotionally charged impulse. Those with impulsive personality traits are often caught in a knee-jerk reflexive mode, disregarding the broader context or potential consequences. Responding, on the other hand, involves thought, reflection, and patience. It requires stepping back to consider the situation, the complexity of the issues, and the potential long-term impact of one’s actions. This distinction between reacting and responding is crucial as we grapple with our society’s multifaceted challenge.

Radical imagination

We need a more radical imaginative approach to our discourse that transcends traditional political boundaries and ideologies. Radical imagination is about thinking beyond the usual boundaries, envisioning new possibilities, and embracing a creative and empathetic approach to problem-solving. It’s not about abandoning principles or values, but expanding our understanding and willingness to engage with diverse ideas.

Last week a retired politician commented that the political evangelists at political meetings must give the crowd what they want to hear. On the other hand, he also agreed that we need to lift the level of discourse, but, unfortunately, he was stuck on keeping it at ideologies.

I say, go beyond ideology and acknowledge that no single party or ideology has a monopoly on truth or solutions. It’s about recognising the humanity in our opponents and approaching disagreements with curiosity rather than condemnation.

We must foster a new breed of political leaders in a new political ecosystem firmly committed to a fact-centric, analytical approach. These leaders must be capable of reaching out across the vast divides of partisan lines, policy differences, and intellectual debates, all while staying true to their individual causes.

We need leaders whose political imaginations transcend traditional constraints and encourage creativity and innovation. They should be champions of active participation in democratic processes and cultivators of an environment in which fresh solutions to societal problems can be conceived and executed. Failing to prioritise these essential qualities would risk our political system’s deterioration, instead of the evolution it desperately needs.

Henry Lewis Jr is a PhD candidate, a social scientist, and an executive life coach. He lectures at University of Technology, Jamaica, in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or hjlewis@utech.edu.jm.