I am vehemently opposed to Trump, but I talk to Trump supporters every opportunity I get. I can't explain it, but I always come away from these conversations, when they're respectful and thoughtful (had two in the past month!), feeling high on life.
I think it's because instead of sitting in rage at the insanity (to me) of their support, I understand what drives them, even if it's clear we value different things. I also feel good about myself because I hopefully changed their perspective a little bit on liberals, too (that might be wishful thinking though).
"If you’re on team X, you might be surprised by how much criticizing what you see as the overreach of X can make people on team Y feel safe and understood around you."
This, so much. In my opinion, neither side has been particularly good at addressing the problems they identify, but most of our politics seem to be driven by the other side not even recognizing the problems we care about, leaving all of us feeling gaslit. I can handle disagreements on policy, even values, but "What elephant in the room?" is maddening.
Yeah. I think offline has an advantage when it comes to helping us at least acknowledge others' concerns, but our failure to do so seems like a big problem in either context.
Love this! I’ve found right wingers have a harder time verbalizing their issues with others. I think it’s a personality type thing maybe? Or just my experience.
Late to comment here, but my experience is just the reverse. Conservatives in Braver Angels, for example, want to discuss and explain their views and issues. Liberals may be quicker to declare their position, but frequently will not stay in a conversation that turns to specifics and policies. Conservatives may also be less likely to speak because in most undefined environments they assume they are in the minority and, at least presently, liberals can display their hurt and fear in very hostile ways. Liberal/elites often appear to me to believe that they will convince everyone present no matter how shallow their knowledge. Conservatives tend to believe that they will not be heard by liberals, no matter how deep their expertise.
I am vehemently opposed to Trump, but I talk to Trump supporters every opportunity I get. I can't explain it, but I always come away from these conversations, when they're respectful and thoughtful (had two in the past month!), feeling high on life.
I think it's because instead of sitting in rage at the insanity (to me) of their support, I understand what drives them, even if it's clear we value different things. I also feel good about myself because I hopefully changed their perspective a little bit on liberals, too (that might be wishful thinking though).
Well said <3
ICYMI, you might be amused by this old meme of armies battling over their Duck and Rabbit Gods:
https://share.google/KllFV4krzEbXKeh0s
Haha awesome!
"If you’re on team X, you might be surprised by how much criticizing what you see as the overreach of X can make people on team Y feel safe and understood around you."
This, so much. In my opinion, neither side has been particularly good at addressing the problems they identify, but most of our politics seem to be driven by the other side not even recognizing the problems we care about, leaving all of us feeling gaslit. I can handle disagreements on policy, even values, but "What elephant in the room?" is maddening.
Interesting!
Question: do you see this kind of thing offline? I see it all the time on X/Twitter, but Twitter's also where good discourse goes to die....
Yeah. I think offline has an advantage when it comes to helping us at least acknowledge others' concerns, but our failure to do so seems like a big problem in either context.
Love this! I’ve found right wingers have a harder time verbalizing their issues with others. I think it’s a personality type thing maybe? Or just my experience.
Interesting! Say more about that?
I haven't seen data on this but I wouldn't be surprised at all if right-wingers are more stoic/strong-and-silent compared to left-wingers.
No data, just personal experience! So it could just be my bubble.
The left wingers I know just seem quicker to make their thoughts known on controversial matters.
Late to comment here, but my experience is just the reverse. Conservatives in Braver Angels, for example, want to discuss and explain their views and issues. Liberals may be quicker to declare their position, but frequently will not stay in a conversation that turns to specifics and policies. Conservatives may also be less likely to speak because in most undefined environments they assume they are in the minority and, at least presently, liberals can display their hurt and fear in very hostile ways. Liberal/elites often appear to me to believe that they will convince everyone present no matter how shallow their knowledge. Conservatives tend to believe that they will not be heard by liberals, no matter how deep their expertise.
This 100% mirrors my experience <3 It's very sad on both sides.
Thank you for this. We on both sides need all the help we can get to come together.