I have observed this burgeoning cesspool of polarization for years now, and have attempted among friends and in various discussion groups to counter it with calm reason, logic, etc. It's more than dismaying to see how so many . . . too many . . . refuse to listen to, or accept, that "the other side" might be making a valid point. I often wonder what happened over the last 20-30 years to our collective thinking processes. Yes, we have the influences of the media, politicians and sociologists, but what happened to that innate desire to learn more, to seek out the history of an issue, to at least hypothesize solutions, the possible and probable ramifications of actions and policies, etc., etc.
Great points Andrea. Thank you for bringing your thoughts on it. I agree, and I also wonder at times if it's getting ever harder to find people who will seek a more accurate understanding together. I have to believe there are some. I know I always find it rewarding to have that kind of authentic conversation, so I think many others will too, even if they have to learn it. I think people really do want to have a more authentic conversation, and it just often takes some some time to reach a level of comfort to do it. Maybe its busier lives? People are too distracted by too much competition for their attention to other things?
There is something each of us can do, if we put our mind to it.
Excellent suggestions of what I can do. Thanks
I have observed this burgeoning cesspool of polarization for years now, and have attempted among friends and in various discussion groups to counter it with calm reason, logic, etc. It's more than dismaying to see how so many . . . too many . . . refuse to listen to, or accept, that "the other side" might be making a valid point. I often wonder what happened over the last 20-30 years to our collective thinking processes. Yes, we have the influences of the media, politicians and sociologists, but what happened to that innate desire to learn more, to seek out the history of an issue, to at least hypothesize solutions, the possible and probable ramifications of actions and policies, etc., etc.
Great points Andrea. Thank you for bringing your thoughts on it. I agree, and I also wonder at times if it's getting ever harder to find people who will seek a more accurate understanding together. I have to believe there are some. I know I always find it rewarding to have that kind of authentic conversation, so I think many others will too, even if they have to learn it. I think people really do want to have a more authentic conversation, and it just often takes some some time to reach a level of comfort to do it. Maybe its busier lives? People are too distracted by too much competition for their attention to other things?