#167 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Tuesday October 12)
Good morning!
By this point, I think many of us have experienced the pain of trying to reason with someone so attached to their beliefs that they are unwilling to listen to logic, science, statistics or reason. While much has been written in this area, the truth is that there are segments of our population that have adopted a cult-like commitment to their “tribe” and its spokespeople. They are unwilling to be persuaded.
What is true with cults is true here. As Tony Canzoneri points out, we cannot beat the arguments of cults with logic. We must instead adopt their fundamental values and then argue on “their turf.”
An example might be to acknowledge the problem at the border and that we need to secure our borders. Then present data regarding the employment rates and jobs they perform. Or how about approaching gun advocates not by saying “there are too many guns,” but instead acknowledging that their right to bear arms but shifting to a discussion of those who shouldn’t. Or approach a mask-denier by acknowledging their rights to individual freedom but suggesting in this instance there is a minimally intrusive thing that can make a big difference.
The idea is that radical extremists can find a better path through a single human contact that reaches out with kindness and understanding of the poverty, illness or other need that drives their hate. But as Tony says, “I have always appreciated ‘turn the other cheek’ and yet have always been a bit skeptical of it…Meet hate with kindness…but be ready to duck…”
THE RAND CORPORATION WEIGHS IN ON VIOLENT EXTREMISM
This is an important summary of the problem with violent extremism, as researched by the Rand Corporation: https://www.rand.org/blog/rand-review/2021/09/violent-extremism-in-america-pathways-to-deradicalization.html
It seems that extremism—cultism—almost has to burn out in its own time, or be cut short by kindness shown by those hated the most. Could it be that giving voice to the concerns of the violent right is the key to bringing them under control and moving our nation’s agenda forward?
Have a great day,
Glenn
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