How to Have a Rational Conversation

 

My Ideal Conversation with Someone who has Polar Opposite Views would include the following:

·         We have very different ideologies and I would like to understand yours. Then I would like to explain mine.

·         I’d like to understand where you are coming from and whether it is based on fact or fear.

·         I know that this topic matters to you and is a part of your identity.

·         Our conversation needs to be reciprocal; if we are just shouting insults at each other, nothing productive will come from this conversation and it may cause irreparable damage to our relationship.

·         I try to avoid biased news sources. I want to ingest fact-based news to be informed, not just to be validated.

·         We can search for the news we want to hear, but I trust sources that articulate both sides of an issue.

·         I would like to understand why you believe what you believe. Have you had a personal experience that has made you feel that way?

·         Where’s your evidence and what are your sources?

·         Is this issue something in your control?

·         Ripping people apart does not solve world issues.

·         I consider how my ideas are leading me to treat other people. Do I agree to disagree after a reciprocal conversation, or do I tell them how stupid/idiotic/crazy/wrong their ideas are?

 

This modified Facebook post just about sums it up: The wonderful thing about being informed is that two people with the same information, can make two completely different choices and neither of them is right or wrong. That is what freedom is and should be. 

Doing the “right thing” means you’ve weighed the risks and benefits for yourself, and are making an informed decision! If you have researched your decision and are comfortable with it....great!

What’s right for one person, may be wrong for the other. Both, on an intuitive and biological level. We’re all doing the best we can with the information we hopefully have spent time digging into. Let this be a gentle reminder *for all* to please respect each other and be mindful of the message we put out there. Is everyone “wrong” because they believe differently than you? They very likely have just as strong of a reason for their choice as you do.

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