The human mind, though pliable, is sluggish with regard to its adaptability. As we "mature", our opinions about everything in general become rigid and it takes a great deal of intended effort to discard our once-formed and self-esteemed views. We love familiarity. We feel comfortable amidst others who share similar views on topics which can have many; and everytime we are faced with the prospect of intellectual debate, our defences become unbreakable, our voices loud from the intoxication of our own beliefs and a shouting match begins.
Why are we so afraid to face controversial issues? Why is it so difficult to consider another's point of view? It seems to me, that this lack of flexibility, this mental inertia, might arise from an insecurity in the covert knowledge that one's views maybe wrong, in the objective sense.
We stick to people of similar backgrounds, whether it is class/linguistic/religion wise. It provides a security of being in a group where everybody has led more-or-less similar lives and there are no uncomfortable issues. Well, in friendship there lies no barrier, one may counter. True, but if one is aware of a major difference in opinion regarding a "sensitive" topic, most people usually never voluntarily broach that topic.
We hate squabbles, threats to our views and prefer to be in a happy cocoon where due to a high degree of lifestyle/viewpoint similarity, the chances of the uncomfortable situation of a crazed intellectual debate happening is less. We search for common factors, and if our closest friend has no common viewpoints with us, then it automatically translates in "no-charged-up-discussions" with the closest friend.
Of course, it need not be that way. One can simply be more tolerant and accept the fact that there will always be diversity of thought & there need not be superior/inferior ranking between the viewpoints.
In India, some contentious issues are whether caste-based reservation is beneficial, violation of civil rights in some parts of the country the army, minority appeasement etc. Patriotism or being faithful to one's religion does not mean one cannot objectively judge each issue's merits and demerits. Unfortunately the mental inertia/pride prevents many from even considering alternative views.Respecting the Indian Army does not mean one turns a blind eye to its excesses. Many of my people refuse to follow this ideology. Most higher caste people are against caste-based reservation by default & vice-versa & while one thinks that one is impersonally & impartially considering the matter, he merely assembles arguments to suit his case.
I have been in this trap many times and I am sure I will be so in future too, for such is the human mind's weakness, but I strive to cultivate a habit wherein I try to put myself in the other person's shoes & understand why she/he thinks the way she/he does and if introspection demands that I adapt my views, I do make an effort in that direction.It is not easy, and our emotional rigidity does not allow us to practice this on many accounts (eg- faith criticisms trigger hypersensitivity reactions) but well, being moderate is anyday preferable to being an extremist for me.
That Is my emotional niche I suppose ---- I am not comfortable being with people having extremist ideologies. I guess it is easy to see why most people do not want to take the trouble & plunge into highly charged discussions regarding the controversial issues surrounding us today --- it is a source of stress, confusion, dilemma & discomfiture & may even lead to ill-will. Instead, why not enjoy the relaxed, sheltered life amidst a bunch of like-minded friends (to the extent possible), avoid talking about topics which might give rise to differences and go about life following the course of familiarity? A toast to the simple life. Amen
Why are we so afraid to face controversial issues? Why is it so difficult to consider another's point of view? It seems to me, that this lack of flexibility, this mental inertia, might arise from an insecurity in the covert knowledge that one's views maybe wrong, in the objective sense.
We stick to people of similar backgrounds, whether it is class/linguistic/religion wise. It provides a security of being in a group where everybody has led more-or-less similar lives and there are no uncomfortable issues. Well, in friendship there lies no barrier, one may counter. True, but if one is aware of a major difference in opinion regarding a "sensitive" topic, most people usually never voluntarily broach that topic.
We hate squabbles, threats to our views and prefer to be in a happy cocoon where due to a high degree of lifestyle/viewpoint similarity, the chances of the uncomfortable situation of a crazed intellectual debate happening is less. We search for common factors, and if our closest friend has no common viewpoints with us, then it automatically translates in "no-charged-up-discussions" with the closest friend.
Of course, it need not be that way. One can simply be more tolerant and accept the fact that there will always be diversity of thought & there need not be superior/inferior ranking between the viewpoints.
In India, some contentious issues are whether caste-based reservation is beneficial, violation of civil rights in some parts of the country the army, minority appeasement etc. Patriotism or being faithful to one's religion does not mean one cannot objectively judge each issue's merits and demerits. Unfortunately the mental inertia/pride prevents many from even considering alternative views.Respecting the Indian Army does not mean one turns a blind eye to its excesses. Many of my people refuse to follow this ideology. Most higher caste people are against caste-based reservation by default & vice-versa & while one thinks that one is impersonally & impartially considering the matter, he merely assembles arguments to suit his case.
I have been in this trap many times and I am sure I will be so in future too, for such is the human mind's weakness, but I strive to cultivate a habit wherein I try to put myself in the other person's shoes & understand why she/he thinks the way she/he does and if introspection demands that I adapt my views, I do make an effort in that direction.It is not easy, and our emotional rigidity does not allow us to practice this on many accounts (eg- faith criticisms trigger hypersensitivity reactions) but well, being moderate is anyday preferable to being an extremist for me.
That Is my emotional niche I suppose ---- I am not comfortable being with people having extremist ideologies. I guess it is easy to see why most people do not want to take the trouble & plunge into highly charged discussions regarding the controversial issues surrounding us today --- it is a source of stress, confusion, dilemma & discomfiture & may even lead to ill-will. Instead, why not enjoy the relaxed, sheltered life amidst a bunch of like-minded friends (to the extent possible), avoid talking about topics which might give rise to differences and go about life following the course of familiarity? A toast to the simple life. Amen
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