In recent debates a glaring array of issues have arisen that are devoid of foundational facts and helpful background. This lack of clarity leads to concerns about what other data may be missing from the provided dataset. In particular, many topics have been exposed as vacuous, with no proof or proof to again them.
The debates around these issues underscore how big that divide is. The issue is that the topic is completely out of context, which leads to the confusion. Absent this context, it’s difficult to understand what it means or why it matters. As advocates and observers have pointed out, without timely and relevant data, it’s difficult if not impossible to create a constructive national dialogue or analysis.
Additionally, it has been said that the issue is not present in the current conversation. This lack of engagement immediately makes it hard to unpack its implications or explore what a potential significance. Consequently, advocates and practitioners working in this subject area often find themselves with little sense of what’s happening or what might be possible.
The lack of targeted guidance around these topics is a significant barrier for academics and practitioners, as it continues to create an important blindspot. They have to be armed with that deep, rich data in order to make their compelling cases and lead these conversations. Absent the most basic, relevant facts out there, the hope for any helpful, meaningful conversation goes out the window.
The absence of context around these topics continues to limit stakeholders. Consequently, they are unable to measure their effectiveness or usefulness in any meaningful way. Far too many people don’t have the time or money to develop informed perspectives on critical issues. Consequently, they are unable to make any impactful findings.
The situation is made more confusing by the lack of any taglines accompanying these topics. Without accompanying narrative, it’s hard to understand what they’re spouting off about. This lack of specificity can make it difficult to understand why the issue under discussion is important. The subjects remain shrouded in ambiguity.