My state-of-the-art bullshit deflectors
Aweh, My Dearly Beloved Fellow Ruminants & Groupies
In a world where misinformation flows as freely as the Orange River in flood, what we need more than ever are bullshit deflectors—those mental tools that help us sift through the noise, apply critical thinking, and stay anchored to objective reality.
But bullshit comes in varying strengths. There’s the blatant kind—like Julius Malema’s earnest claims of championing the poor, despite his lavish lifestyle. Then there’s the more insidious kind, where your bullshit deflectors need to work a little harder. Consider, for instance, our politicians promising that the National Health Insurance (NHI) will provide all South Africans with affordable, equal access to quality healthcare. It sounds like a dream, but let’s be real: our bullshit deflectors should be quivering with doubt when faced with the logistical and financial realities.
Corporate jargon is another breeding ground for subtle bullshit. A company might boast about its commitment to environmental sustainability while vaguely hinting at future profitability without offering any real plan. They say, “We’re facing challenges, but our brilliant team is working on a strategy that will be revealed in six months.” Translation: “We have no idea what we’re doing, but we hope you’ll stick around to find out.”
Consider a company that frequently proclaims, “We value our employees above all else” in its public statements and marketing materials. This subtle bullshit may only become apparent when the company’s actions contradict its claims. For instance, the same company might have a high turnover rate and frequent layoffs. Often, such statements are part of a public relations strategy designed to paint the company in a positive light without requiring any real commitment to change. It’s a way to improve the company’s image and manage its brand reputation without substantially improving employee welfare.
And then there’s the financial world’s version: “Acme Capital Management is for sophisticated investors like you, offering guaranteed double-digit returns.” The golden thread in all these messages? They’re telling you exactly what you want to hear. And when someone promises you a glorious future, that’s when your bullshit deflectors should be on high alert.
But let’s not fall into the trap of cynicism for its own sake. The world is complicated, and sometimes people do deliver on bold promises. This brings us to the concept of perspectivism—the idea that all knowledge and truth are tied to specific perspectives, with no single perspective being inherently superior. Friedrich Nietzsche, a proponent of this idea, argued that truths are interpretations shaped by our values, instincts, and power dynamics. From this standpoint, objective reality doesn’t exist; it’s always filtered through subjective viewpoints.
On the flip side, positivism, which naturally aligns with my Vulcan blood (yes, I have Vulcan blood—did I mention my mother was abducted and impregnated by Vulcans?), affirms the existence of an objective reality. Positivists believe that there is a world that exists independently of our thoughts, perceptions, and interpretations, and that this reality can be understood through empirical observation, experimentation, and logical reasoning.
Now, let’s explore positivism a bit more, my dear ruminants. Imagine being so logical, so laser-focused on objective reality, that you start to see the world like a Vulcan on steroids. Positivists wake up every morning, pour a cup of black coffee (no sugar, no cream emotions are for the weak), and begin their day by coldly dissecting the universe around them. “Did you feel that sunrise? Bullshit! Measure it, chart its impact on the earth’s rotation, and if you can’t explain it in a peer-reviewed journal, it didn’t happen!” While we mere mortals occasionally indulge in a little solipsism—like thinking that the sun rises just for us—positivists are here to remind us that, no, it’s just physics, you sentimental fool. Now, don’t get me wrong; there’s something to be said for keeping our heads out of the clouds, but sometimes, you’ve got to wonder if positivists ever stop to smell the roses—or do they just analyse the chemical compounds of the petals? You see I’m a Vulcan half-breed.
But here’s where it gets tricky for positivists: Many of the poor do support Malema. Many genuinely believe in the NHI. Some shareholders and analysts might have faith in a yet-to-be-revealed corporate strategy, and who knows? Perhaps it will be transformative. Acme Capital Management has billions under management, and maybe its CEO is the next Warren Buffet. The future is unknown. So, is my perspective better than theirs? Of course it is, but I grudgingly admit there’s some truth to this perspectivism business.
Let’s apply this to the NHI. I argue that the government lacks the finances, infrastructure, and management capability to deliver on its promises. This view is supported by the dismal state of many public hospitals and the high levels of corruption within the healthcare system. These are facts that can be verified—objective realities if you will.
But what about Dr. Nicholas Crisp, the Deputy Director-General of NHI, who insists that the NHI can succeed with proper management and international best practices? He argues that delays only prolong healthcare inequities. Is this just his perspective, or is there a reality in which the NHI could work as intended?
Here’s the tricky part: is the bullshit we encounter part of an objective reality, or is it just a matter of perspective? As we navigate these complex questions, it’s crucial to keep our bullshit deflectors finely tuned, recognizing that while all perspectives are valid, some are more grounded in reality than others.
Dearly beloved readers, I care about you—that’s why I’m revealing these truths. If you apply my principles, develop bullshit deflectors as strong as mine, and read my blog religiously, you’ll become healthy, wealthy, and wise. Trust me. Or don’t—just make sure your bullshit deflectors are up and running.
Thank you for all the recommendations, comments, and the love that I feel in cyberspace.
Regards
Bruce
Ruminant Pink Friday 