Voicelessness and Emotional Survival > Voicelessness and Emotional Survival Message Board
Interesting letter to President Obama
Dr. Richard Grossman:
Hops (and others on this thread),
You might enjoy Jonathan Haidt’s book:
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
http://www.amazon.com/The-Righteous-Mind-Politics-Religion/dp/0307455777/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
While I disagreed with some of the author’s arguments (e.g. on group selection) and particularly his conclusions (that all “pillars of morality” should be viewed as equal), the book stimulated some lively discussion in my non-reality book group.
Richard
gratitude28:
Thank you, Dr. Grossman. It's nice to review the materials you bring up here. I really like that you have added so much here lately. And although this is from another thread, I think that you should not have to treat people for free. I believe that you are insightful and caring and should be rewarded for your work. Just through this site, you have made an enormous, positive change in my life and I will forever be grateful to you.
BonesMS:
--- Quote from: Dr. Richard Grossman on November 20, 2012, 10:19:10 PM ---Hops (and others on this thread),
You might enjoy Jonathan Haidt’s book:
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion
http://www.amazon.com/The-Righteous-Mind-Politics-Religion/dp/0307455777/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
While I disagreed with some of the author’s arguments (e.g. on group selection) and particularly his conclusions (that all “pillars of morality” should be viewed as equal), the book stimulated some lively discussion in my non-reality book group.
Richard
--- End quote ---
Thanks, Richard!
I'm going to see if my local library has this book. One of the questions, in the back of my mind, is if this book also addresses the issue of racism? This has felt like a double-whammy for me, personally, during this election season.
Bones
sKePTiKal:
Hops - I'd like to hang on to that hope, as well.
I find that what you are describing is only possible if the other person has a minimum number of miles and personal experience behind them. It is truly a joy, then, to discuss politics... solve the problems of the world... and cooperatively dream up some solutions. Basic, raw values bubble up from those conversations -- held, believed, and actualized -- in common. It's like the old scene -- two young studs have a disagreement that escalates to a fight and when all the anger is worn out... they shake hands, throw an arm over the other's shoulder, go have a drink... and are the best of friends forever.
This vignette, I think... has at it's root the idea that people are valuable; all people. And that we can "move on" together.
I have been listening - albeit I usually don't subject myself to that kind of abuse of my beliefs. I've been finding that no one listens to me - in fact, to open my mouth and make the attempt at this kind of thing invites a form of interpersonal violence of the most childish and ugly sort. EVEN among people who profess to share the same beliefs. There is no other option for me -- except to walk away, retreat, withdraw -- shut up. It FEELS like this isn't even a genuine conversation; it feels more like a power struggle... which then poses a whole lot of questions... because it's clear that those seeking power are working very hard to disenfranchise "the other side"... in a tit for tat move... which really doesn't make a whole lotta sense, since there was no disenfranchisement that was forced on them... (cognitive dissonance has become more frequent for me lately...)
And this situation, has at it's root the idea that people are disposable - UNLESS they validate each other's beliefs. The tribal tendency, herd instinct, of buddying up with others of like-minds... is reinforced by those kinds of experiences. The confirmation bias at work in these "factions"... and their fact-checkers... is the elephant in the room. And Lord, don't try to talk about that either!! It's sure way to get verbally kicked, repeatedly... and cussed... and dismissed.
So much of this mess... is people taking "marketing" at face-value, having two sets of "facts" -- for each group -- with no facts shared in common (divergent views of reality, sometimes)... and to me, with my life experiences... well, I don't believe this is going to end well. It's too crazy-making. I want no part of it. Fortunately, it's not the first time I've wished I could just be beamed up somewhere else - LOL. I've got some practice with this.
teartracks:
--- Quote ---I just led a small discussion group on post-election processing.
The gist of it was, regardless of which way you voted or how you identify yourself politically:
How was this election season for you? What were the surprises?
Did any events in the campaign or election challenge any of your beliefs? If so, which ones?
Do you have friends or loved ones who are different from you politically?
When you engage those whose opinions you oppose, what works? What does not?
It was a wonderful, meaningful discussion. The outcome or "take-away" boiled down to
our conviction that the only positive way to engage those who disagree, is to listen deeply, hold
compassion, and be genuinely curious. Asking, "Why would you say you see this issue this way?"
Or, "What life experiences have you had that have contributed to how you stand on that?"
Or, "Can you tell me more about this?"
I liked this experience.
xo
Hops
--- End quote ---
Hops,
I think the questions you pose would make an interesting poll here. It's a busy time of the year though and putting a poll together might be too time consuming.
tt
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