popkidu2
War Child
It has occured to me that in America, and maybe everywhere in the world, the idea of finding the middle ground, a place where all ideas can meet and find a solution to a problem, has been lost.
Out society has become fragmented, with many people hold very distinct, polar opposite views.
I don't discount the notion that you should be person of conviction. Everyone has their beliefs, and there is nothing wrong with having a set of values or beliefs that you adhear to.
But it strikes me as very odd that many people are unwilling to seek the middle ground anymore.
Isn't that what democracy is?
There is a problem. Each person brings their ideas to the table, debate them, and then set about to find common ground that everyone can agree on. It requires the ability to see things from the "other" side.
Yet, everyone is so scared of appearing weak, of actually challenging their own beliefs, that they adhear to their personal ideas with such a steadfast conviction that, in my opinion, more harm than good is done.
At some level, is it not selfish to be so ferverent in your personal beliefs that you alienate everyone else?
Here's an example that I know well.
I am a big believer in women's rights (I am a male btw) and rights for survivors of sexual assault etc.
Yet, many in the field have framed it strictly in a feminist way. They fear that if they admit that the problem is not just about women getting assualted, but a general problem of gender roles, sexual attitudes and the such in our society that there is a minority population of male survivors that struggle to be recognized and helped. Instead of linking the problem of rape strictly to the women's movement, why not take on the whole issue?
I mention this only because I've recently come back to this community, interference.com, and I've noticed all the hullaballo in this forum.
I'm not saying be wishywashy. I'm not saying to not have your convictions. But, before you make a statement, try and put yourself in the position of the other side. Actually get in their mind and see it from their perspective. If you're a liberal, like me, wrap yourself in the blanket of conservatism, and see the issue through their eyes. Try and see where they are coming from. Acknowledge the positives of the opposition, and what they may bring to the table.
If you can be willing to accept some ideas contrary to your own, incorporate them into your opinion, or at least recognize what others bring to the table, it seems to me more progress can be made.
Stubborness is not a good quality all the time.
I'm not claiming to be perfect or anything. I'm as guilty as the next person. But I think if we all (and when I say we I don't just mean here in this forum, but in society in general) have a more open-minded attitude, we could make great strides.
Think about it before you blast me.
Out society has become fragmented, with many people hold very distinct, polar opposite views.
I don't discount the notion that you should be person of conviction. Everyone has their beliefs, and there is nothing wrong with having a set of values or beliefs that you adhear to.
But it strikes me as very odd that many people are unwilling to seek the middle ground anymore.
Isn't that what democracy is?
There is a problem. Each person brings their ideas to the table, debate them, and then set about to find common ground that everyone can agree on. It requires the ability to see things from the "other" side.
Yet, everyone is so scared of appearing weak, of actually challenging their own beliefs, that they adhear to their personal ideas with such a steadfast conviction that, in my opinion, more harm than good is done.
At some level, is it not selfish to be so ferverent in your personal beliefs that you alienate everyone else?
Here's an example that I know well.
I am a big believer in women's rights (I am a male btw) and rights for survivors of sexual assault etc.
Yet, many in the field have framed it strictly in a feminist way. They fear that if they admit that the problem is not just about women getting assualted, but a general problem of gender roles, sexual attitudes and the such in our society that there is a minority population of male survivors that struggle to be recognized and helped. Instead of linking the problem of rape strictly to the women's movement, why not take on the whole issue?
I mention this only because I've recently come back to this community, interference.com, and I've noticed all the hullaballo in this forum.
I'm not saying be wishywashy. I'm not saying to not have your convictions. But, before you make a statement, try and put yourself in the position of the other side. Actually get in their mind and see it from their perspective. If you're a liberal, like me, wrap yourself in the blanket of conservatism, and see the issue through their eyes. Try and see where they are coming from. Acknowledge the positives of the opposition, and what they may bring to the table.
If you can be willing to accept some ideas contrary to your own, incorporate them into your opinion, or at least recognize what others bring to the table, it seems to me more progress can be made.
Stubborness is not a good quality all the time.
I'm not claiming to be perfect or anything. I'm as guilty as the next person. But I think if we all (and when I say we I don't just mean here in this forum, but in society in general) have a more open-minded attitude, we could make great strides.
Think about it before you blast me.