Object Permanence

November 17, 2020

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or otherwise sensed. This is a fundamental concept studied in the field of developmental psychology that addresses the development of young children’s social and mental capacities. A lack of object permanence explains how many Republicans view of the world, and how they respond. In 2013, Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio), once a staunch opponent of gay marriage, said that he now supported same-sex nuptials after his son told him he was gay.

“I’m announcing today a change of heart on an issue that a lot of people feel strongly about that has to do with gay couples’ opportunity to marry,” Portman said. In other words, Portman could not empathize with the needs of the gay community until it was in front of his face.

Republicans approach the pandemic and the climate crisis in the same way. Apparently, the pandemic is not a real thing to many Trump supporters, who call it a hoax and any attempts to control it as an infringement on their liberties. These people attend unprotected gatherings, flouting the warnings of healthcare professionals. It is not until they get it when they have a come to Jesus moment like Chris Christie. If you can’t see it and you don’t know anyone who has died from it, it doesn’t exist. News reports about 250,000 deaths and millions of infections have no impact. Out of sight, out of mind.

The climate crisis is approached in much the same fashion. Unless you have been bludgeoned by a hurricane of historic proportions or happen to live in the path of a raging inferno, the climate crisis is easy to ignore. I am guessing Republicans and Democrats alike who live in places like New Orleans or California believe that climate change is real because they have experienced it first hand. For the rest of us, we have to trust the science, which is easy to ignore.

Do we have to wait for more Republicans to die of the coronavirus or have their homes destroyed by natural disasters before we can address these issues. Infants eventually develop object permanence. Hopefully, Republicans will as well.