My husband and I had a good discussion on how to engage with those on the right. He doesn't agree with my more indirect approach, none the less our discussion was very deep.
My thoughts-- we all have a strong drive to help, to correct, to 'straighten out', those we disagree with. We hope to say "These are the facts... do you see how you are wrong? Now that we agree that you are wrong, you must change. " This approach never ends well. I never see someone change their opinion because of a debate. In fact, the opposite often happens. The people you debate dig in and loose trust for you.
People regularly ignore the facts. They never ignore their feelings. The Republicans have mastered the art of leading with "Your feelings are right. I will fight for your feelings, even if the fight is irrational." Meanwhile Democrats are so fact based that their positions can't get past the layers of defensive emotion. "My taxes are enormous. Why should I support illegals who don't pay their fair share. Why do you support illegals?" Any rebuttal falls on deaf ears.
My goal is to build warm and trustworthy relationships, not to correct, even though that is very very difficult.. I want to be a role model for my values. I want to let others see that I value the relationship enough to fight for them, even if the fight is a little irrational.
1 comment:
I appreciate your posting. This Nation is built on the Backs and Souls of Immigrants. We are the offspring of immigrants. I am the 9th Generation of my family to reside here. The only Natives to this Land are the Native Americans, unless you go back to whoever crossed the land bridge between Russia and Alaska before the Woolly Mammoth became extinct. My point is that this is the land that has always welcomed the multitudes, shown compassion for all, and given diligent workers a chance to be successful and be a Part of the Whole.
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