Ford’s confidence trumps his knowledge

RE: DOUG FORD

If you’ve been wondering why so many Ontarians voted for Doug Ford, an article in The Guardian (Dean Burnett, April 2, 2015) may shed some light. Burnett cites the Dunning-Kruger effect: poor performers seem largely unaware of just how deficient their expertise is, but they are usually incredibly confident. By contrast, more intelligent people tend not to be confident. Guess which type of person most voters want leading their political party?

Now add Parkinson’s Law of Triviality. Most voters have neither the time nor the inclination to understand complex issues, and they tend to give disproportionate attention to trivial issues. So smart campaign managers keep their candidate away from discussing solutions to poverty or the effects of carbon dioxide on global warming. Instead, they focus voters on simple slogans like “government for the people” and “buck-a-beer.”

The result — confidence and simplicity trumped reality and substance (no pun intended).

Ford’s supporters are thrilled with his actions so far. Meanwhile others are appalled at his apparent unawareness about the economy, poverty and climate change, and outraged by his reversal of curriculum content, cancellation of school repairs, trashing of sources of alternative energy, and abandonment of a basic income pilot project.

Psychology, strategic campaign management and confidence may have helped Ford get elected. But they may not do much to boost his performance, and that’s what should matter to Ontarians.

James Newman, Hamilton