False Dilemma and Mind Control
Today, I’m still preoccupied with YFZ spokesman Willie Jessop’s complaint that FLDS women called to testify before the Texas Grand Jury were being forced to choose between their children and their husbands, their freedom and their faith. I keep mulling his statement over, wondering about faith at the price of freedom. And freedom at the price of faith.
Today, I'm still preoccupied with YFZ spokesman Willie Jessop's complaint that FLDS women called to testify before the Texas Grand Jury were being forced to choose between their children and their husbands, their freedom and their faith. I keep mulling his statement over, wondering about faith at the price of freedom. And freedom at the price of faith.
What kind of choice is that? It sounds suspiciously like an example of "my way or the highway" choices, which aren't really choices at all, but imperatives. I remember hearing stories as a teenager about girls who dated guys who would drive them out in the sticks and tell them "cock or walk." In other words, the girls either agreed to have sex or they had to walk home in the dark and risk being raped or murdered. "My way or the highway" doesn't really present a choice; it imposes tyranny. So I keep thinking about Willie Jessop, who essentially has said that if these women appear before the Grand Jury and tell the truth about child abuse and underage marriage in the FLDS community, then they are betraying their husbands. If they keep their freedom they will sacrifice their faith.
I grew up in America with this peculiar religious orientation, and I always believed that I was entitled to my freedom as well as my faith. I believed that my mother could honor her husband and her children, and I think she believed it, too.
I remember the professor of my public speaking class saying that "false dilemma" is a rhetorical form intended to manipulate listeners. I didn't understand way back then that posing a false dilemma could breed fear and confusion, so that people would be afraid to make their own choices and, in exchange, gladly surrender their freedom to someone who seems to know what to do. So I say this to Willie Jessop: "Manipulation through false dilemma is not faith. It's mind control."
What do you think?
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Poignant Message About Working Moms as She Calls for More Childcare Support
Archewell is supporting the "National Business Coalition for Child Care."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kanye West Told Kim Kardashian She Was Dressed Like Marge Simpson and Her Career Was Over After the WSJ Innovator Awards
This is awful.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Just Revealed Prince Louis' Favorite Superhero
A fine choice.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Megan Friedman
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
By Emily Cain
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
By Rachel Epstein
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
By Rona Akbari
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
By Ai-jen Poo
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
By Megan DiTrolio