Black and white framing of complex issues can lead to erosion of civility

THE mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12 - which resulted in the death of 49 people - was followed a few days later by the killing of British Labour Party Member of Parliament Jo Cox, who was shot and stabbed last Thursday.

These incidents demonstrate the way in which political debate in some societies is degenerating into ugly shouting matches and, on occasion, into violence. Authorities are trying to figure out the motives behind the actions of Omar Mateen, the perpetrator behind the Orlando massacre, and of Thomas Mair, who was arrested for killing Ms Cox.

Mr Mateen, a son of immigrants from Afghanistan, had reportedly expressed his allegiance to the leader of Islamic State (IS) and support for radical Islamic views, which include hostility towards gays. Mair, who shouted "Britain First" when shooting and stabbing Ms Cox, may have been opposed to her position in favour of Britain remaining part of the European Union.