09/16/2022
Have you ever tried to get someone to change their mind? If only they could see what you doā¦
I watch this unfold on social media occasionally, more often surrounding polarizing events or elections. I observe, wondering why the parties persist when all of the onlookers can clearly see the circular direction of the conversationāgoing nowhere.
Sometimes we see opposing opinions as a threat to our sense of love, safety, or belonging. Particularly around subjects that we feel help to compose our identity. Our reflexes might tell us to start talking, to make our case, to begin piling evidence and reasons on our side of the proverbial scale. When talking seems to be failing to adequately portray our point, we might think it is the volume of our voices that canāt break down the barrier. Yelling might help, caps and exclamation points will certainly drive it home. And when all else fails we might resort to insults and name calling. Iām not sure if this is still in an attempt to change minds, perhaps through shame, or if it makes us feel better to believe that if someone disagrees with us, they canāt possibly be intelligent, thoughtful, or a decent person.
Questions to considerā¦
What if, in the face of opposing opinions, you got curious? What if you asked genuine questions free of ulterior motives reaching for understanding? What if you listened intently to the answers without interrupting? What if you learned something in the process?