Make it make sense

VIEWPOINT

By RALPH HARDIN

Evening Times Editor

Are you familiar with this phrase? While it has become a common expression in the online community to draw attention to the supposed absurdity of something, the phrase actually traces its origins back to the 1600s, where it was more of an invitation to offer an explanation rather than a way to show disdain for an idea or policy.

I first started seeing it a lot when we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. you know, brilliant insights like, “If the masks work, why do we have to social distance? If social distancing works, why do we have to wear masks? Make it make sense.” But it can be used to attempt to make any stance sound dumb. “If we evolved from monkey, why are there still monkeys? Make it make sense.”

Sometimes the phrase can be used to point out valid flaws in

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the way something is being done, like, “They arrested the guy for murder but he was released on bond the next day. Make it make sense.” or “I have to have experience to get the job, but I can’t get a job without experience. Make it make sense.”

But most of the time, I just see it used to complain. “Trump is a convicted felon but he’s eligible to run for president when many states don’t even allow felons to vote or hold office. Make it make sense.” Or, “Joe Biden won all the primaries but the Democrats just pushed him aside and made Harris the nominee. What happened to teh Democratic process? Make it make sense.”

Here’s the thing though: If you’re asking someone to make something make sense, you’re not really asking someone to make it make sense. In fact, if you don’t think something makes sense, there is really not much chance that you will be convinced by any level of logic or evidence to make you change your mind.

If you think that, let’s say marijuana should be legal for recreational use, I can’t tell you anything that will make you say, “You know what? You’re right.” And the opposite is also true.

How about, “In Arkansas there’s a law that you have to wear a seat belt but not a motorcycle helmet.”

Now, make that make sense…