Simplifying Complexity

I recently saw a bumper sticker that read “Trillions to Wars; Pennies to the Poor.” Apparently the driver was advocating particular perspectives about governmental policies, but as catchy as the sticker sounds, its simplicity reduced some fairly complex issues (e.g. national defense, foreign relations, social welfare, government taxation and spending) to a fragmented sentence on the back of a car. At best, it’s a conversation starter, but not especially helpful for readers in making informed conclusions on those matters. Like most bumper stickers, it was a familiar example of something we human beings are experts at doing: simplifying complexity.

Since the time we were kids, we’ve had an innate desire to have things explained to us, and preferably, as simply as possible. I’ve noticed that we really don’t outgrow that childlike preference, even when we’ve gotten old enough to know that things are a little more complicated then we thought they were when we were 6. But it doesn’t keep us from still doing it as grown-ups. It's also not a trait that is limited to people of one particular political persuasion. Conservatives do it as much as liberals. And it’s not limited to political discussions. Take any area of interest: history, science, theology, politics, even technology—we gravitate to labels and stereotypes. It makes life easier and controversial issues more clear cut. And though simplification is not itself bad, the danger lies in reducing issues, events and even people down to slogans, cliff notes, or pejoratives. In our age of texts, tweets, and sound bites, that’s a problem.

 We don’t have to look far to see the negative effects of simplifying complexity. The current tension between police and minorities is viewed by some as overblown and by others as under-reported. For a white political conservative like me who grew up in the Pacific Northwest where racial conflict was rare, I gravitate towards siding with those who are asking “What’s the big deal?” I’m prone to suggest that those criticizing law enforcement are motivated more by a political agenda then a genuine concern about police brutality. Then I hear the personal testimony of Tim Scott, a Republican senator from South Carolina, and I realize that my experience can’t simplify the issue; racism is a real thing, and many still experience its ugly effects. But I also have friends who are police officers. Their perspective reminds me that most cops are good people, men and women trying to stop the bad guys while putting food on their families’ tables. Reducing the issues of police violence and violence to police to a simple us-versus-them mentality is demeaning to victims of racism as well as the members of the thin blue line. Ultimately, it is unhelpful to constructive dialogue that might bring a solution to a tragic social ill.

People, especially public figures, are frequently the target of negative simplification. From now until November 8, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will be two of the most demonized people in the world. Why? Because it’s far easier to vilify a person (and their supporters) who opposes your viewpoint than it is to thoughtfully contend with them on their positions. Humanizing political candidates we’d rather stereotype complicates things. It inconveniently pokes at our own humanity, reminds us that those folks are made in God’s image, and hints that they might be a bit more complex than the sum of their political stances.

Simplifying complexity can leave us in the sorry position of being unable to see an issue, a circumstance, or even a relationship from a bigger picture. That kind of unwillingness hinders our ability to contemplate a different perspective, a perspective that might lead to a better solution, a better understanding, and a better relationship.

Contemplating complexity doesn’t mean you won’t still reach a straightforward conclusion on a matter; it’s necessary that you do. But it does mean you’ve given consideration to more than just the bumper-sticker version of an issue. And by doing so, you’re actually reflecting the nature of your Creator.  He could simplify us, and our pathetic laments and complaints to Him, as nothing more than indicators of our finite, frail humanity. But instead, the One who is all-knowing and all-mighty “remembers that we are dust” and “forgives…heals…redeems…crowns…satisfies…[and] pities those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:1-14). We should take our cue from Him, and start contemplating complexity instead of simplifying it. Maybe we can start with our bumper stickers.