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Everything I have personally witnessed would categorically reinforce the idea that dialogue is productive and that lack of dialogue and data is precisely what b
by Thriptic 9y ago
Everything I have personally witnessed would categorically reinforce the idea that dialogue is productive and that lack of dialogue and data is precisely what breeds hate, distrust, and misunderstanding.
I have yet to witness a person who was shouted down and denounced say "gee, that sure changed my mind about the issues". People don't work that way.
- AaronFriel 9y agoI have been. I have to admit, it took a while, though. I've said some pretty sexist stuff in the past, and racist, and so on. I don't know if that's the best way to change minds though, but enough people telling me, "Hey, [that thing you said] is kind of sexist" changed my mind.
- abiox 9y agoi'm curious - was that always the extent of the conversation, or was there ever a 'it's sexist because ... ' part that engaged your reason and changed your mind?
- AaronFriel 9y agoTo be honest, the backfire effect played a dominant role and I don't think I was persuaded by that particular instance or any that followed. It was that things I said were called out as sexist many times, and years later I started to realize that I shouldn't be offended when that term is used, and I should be more receptive to people who feel the need to use it.
- PhasmaFelis 9y agoI would hypothesize that many people are likely to reexamine their beliefs when regularly surrounded (IRL) by people who disagree. We're social animals; we seek harmony with our neighbors, to an extent. I think Daryl Davis' achievement is changing the opinions of people who are surrounded by supporters. That's much trickier, and killing-with-kindness seems like the likeliest approach there.