Asking good questions [Archives:2002/40/Focus]

BY GARY VEY
[email protected]
A very wise man once said that the search for truth is more about asking good questions than in giving good answers. I think we can learn much from this approach when looking at America’s reactions to 9-11 and the mid-East crises. After reading the violent reactions to a recent Yemen Times article, it became clear to me that many Americans are not asking “good questions.”For example, a recent interview with the parents of the so-called “American Taliban” John Lindh began as follows:
“How do you explain why an extremely intelligent and gentle young man, searching for his faith and God, ended up as a Muslim?” The question obviously infers that Lindh’s selection of Islam as a means of spiritual enlightenment is contrary to being intelligent and gentle. This type of bad question will almost never result in truth.
America has also failed to ask “good questions” about its foreign policies in the mid-East. Instead of asking “Why do so many Arab people hate America?” we might want to ask “What have we done to Arab people to foster such bad feelings against us?” or, better yet, “How can we change our policies to become partners with Arab people?”
American news is awash with paid interviews with retired military officers and self-appointed terrorism experts, each with something personal to gain from the impending war in Iraq. Each appearance on CNN or similar news shows nets them several hundred dollars, or the chance to promote a book. Their personal gain from military action influences the public opinion through asking questions which are designed to avoid truth. A popular example are questions such as, “Do you think Saddam will use nuclear weapons in the war?” and “Who poses the greatest threat to America: Osama bin Laden or Saddam Hussein?”I am reminded of a man who is asked to reply either “yes” or “no” to the question: “Do you still beat your wife?” A bad question is born of ignorance and is destined for ignorance.

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