The Opinion Bubble
As I am sure everyone knows, there is a current issue in America where people have chosen a side, and seem to be ingrained in their opinions with nochance of moving their opinion, regardless of what sort of information is given to them. It doesn’t seem to matter what proof is given to people on either side. What type of debate or logic is told to them, they simply refuse to move from their point of view.
This hasn’t always been the case. In the past, people have been much more willing to switch their opinions and actually move between parties. According to polls,seen below, in both 1994 and 2004, the median for both Democrats and Republicans was more in the middle than it was extremely divided.
The Change
Somewhere between 2004 and 2017, something changed in the way individuals view their opinions on matters dealing with politics. From 1994-2004, individuals were willing to move between the sides. They were both actually extremely close to being willing to move. My uncle, for example, voted for Obama after switching from being conservative in the past.
This doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Everyone I talk to is completely set in their views and it doesn’t seem to be getting better. I can’t get anyone, Democrat or Republican alike, to think in a different way that goes against their beliefs. Everyone just side steps great points to attack something else that has nothing to do with the point that they were just proven wrong on.
The Cause
So what is causing this issue? I believe it is social media. Take a second to think about the people you follow. Do you follow anybody that you don’t agree with? Do you think your friends, your family, your co-workers, or your neighbors follow people on social media that they don’t agree with? I know plenty of people on facebook that have blocked or removed people simply because they post political positions from the other side.
So what do you think this causes? Do you think it is good to be completely surrounded by people that believe what you believe? That sit there and think exactly the same way as you. Who agree with everything you think. Never challenging your opinion or giving you some other aspect of life to think about?
When you surround yourself with people who agree with you, you can’t grow. There are no new opinions, no growth, no helping humanity. If republicans only agree with plan A, and Republicans with plan B. Let us say that together they could make plan C which is best for everyone. But there is NO conversation. There is no talking! It is just, “I am right, you are wrong.” It infuriates me. The ignorance in this whole political sphere.
So What Do We Do?
I think it is imperative that people start following those that are outside their circle of beliefs. Start branching out from your circle of friends. Start having friendly conversations with people from the other side. I know that sounds scary, but I promise you there are people that can have LEVEL headed conversation about their opinions and beliefs. They may not change their thought process, but it is very possible that they may change yours.
I also believe it is time people start taking a philosophical look on WHY they believe what they believe. What are the true reasons behind it? Are your beliefs based in fact, opinion, or feelings? Is it a mixture? Why do you not believe the other side? Is it a bias towards a certain type of people? I find that most democrats have biased opinions towards the rich, while most republicans have biased opinions towards those they view as, lazy and poor, the “entitled.”
Your Challenge
I want you to think about the core reasoning behind your choice of side. Does it revolve around a dislike for the rich? Or a disdain for those who you believe are leeching off others through what some call, “Entitlement” programs?
When you find a core reason, research. When you find something that agrees with you, do more research. Find things that are against your beliefs. Try to open your mind to new possibilities. When you have done this, look back on some other opinions on the matter. Open your mind to new possibilities. If you find you still believe the same thing, that is GREAT. If you have changed your mind, even better.
If anything, you have gained an understanding of what the other side believes. This is IMPORTANT. If you ever want to be able to work with someone, and gain their support in switching to a different opinion on a topic, you have to understand the root cause of why they believe what they believe.
-Bias Narrative
Do you understand your keys?