Do you think that if people maintained open minds, we would have a better society?

Question

Does extremism of belief in politics, religion, racial views, etc create strife and divides people from others?

If people:

-questioned their core beliefs (the ones that were ingrained in them from birth, ie Religious, Atheist, Democrat, Republican, Pro-Earth, Vegan, etc),
-tried to look at all of the sides of an issue before taking a stance,
-let their stances be a little fluid (not flaky, but fluid) rather than rigid and immoviable,
-accepted the stances of others as possibly valid rather than blindly condemning them
-and tried to learn from people who have different opinions,

Would we be stronger as a community, stronger thinkers, and less able to be manipulated politically or otherwise by personal biases and unfounded fear?

Does extremism of belief in politics, religion, racial views, etc create strife and divide people from others?

If people:

-questioned their core beliefs (the ones that were ingrained in them from birth, ie Religious, Atheist, Democrat, Republican, Pro-Earth, Vegan, etc),
-tried to look at all of the sides of an issue before taking a stance,
-let their stances be a little fluid (not flaky, but fluid) rather than rigid and immoviable,
-accepted the stances of others as possibly valid rather than blindly condemning them
-and tried to learn from people who have different opinions,

Would we be stronger as a community, stronger thinkers, and less able to be manipulated politically or otherwise by personal biases and unfounded fear?

Answer 1

I think you answered your own question with your views. People from all over the world fight daily about there beliefs. What everyone needs to realize is that there is no perfect culture for every person on the earth; however, there are views and beliefs that may be perfect fits for an individual. Just because you believe in somethign wholeheartedly does not make it so for another person.
We should all respect the views and cultures of our brothers and sisters from all over, so long as they do not infringe apon rights, and well being of others. There really should be no reason why people cannot learn to agree to disagree without causing mental or bodily harm to others in the process.

Answer 2

Well, of COURSE, if people had open minds, we wouldn't have strife. No one would have any passionately held opinions, and no one would be able to accomplish anything, because they would all still be looking for the answers. When exactly do you propose that people take a stance? After they have studied all the facts? Do we really ever have ALL the facts? Try to think of it this way. It takes all kinds to make the world go around. Personally, I am moved by people who stand up for what they truly believe in. Sure, a certain amount of people are bound to be misguided or just plain crazy. This world is not perfect.

Answer 3

Let's think abiout this for a moment...
I agree that blindly following what you've been taught all your life is a recipe for disaster. Understanding and questioning your own beliefs always leads to enlightenment.
What you do with the knowledge that you gain is as important as the beliefs you've quesioned. Sometime a person can take actions based off of half truths or as a reactions to beliefs that have been only slightly altered. This can be very dangerous.
Fluid thinking is extremely important, it allows us to explore alternative ways of thinking, but each person needs to have a core set of values (usually called an honor code) that allows for the rest of society to grow and prosper.
I definitely believe that fluid beliefs can make less problems, and make strongr thinkers, but it also makes us less apt to make desicions. We would constantly be questioning ourselves and the decisions we make. It's a very interesting questions which I'm not sure can really be answered.

Answer 4

Extremism and Fundamentalism in any forms are divisive and do not foster respect amongst people. However, the problem is not only with the practice thereof, but with the recognition (especially in oneself!!) thereof. Most people who are extremists will never be able to see it in themselves. They will see themselves in a positive light and view their beliefs as 'morally superior' towards 'bettering society'. They may even attach their beliefs to religious leaders and historical figures who has never intended their lives to be represented in the forms it takes on. Get enough of the same thinkers together, and you have a warped political party or sect or webring. An open mind is never as open as it appears to be :)

Answer 5

Honey, if it were up to you, looks like the world would be a better place. The problem is that you can be so tolerant and open minded, but people around are often not. there is always someone who spoils it. Either your father in law, or your friend, uncle, even a husband. It is harder to be open minded than closed minded. When you are closed minded, you just surround yourself with the same group of people, and no problems. When you are open minded, and say what you think, you always step on someones toes.

Answer 6

im gonna play devil's advocate here. i think not. i think that personal biases and the freedom to interject them are what differentiates this country and also makes us the super power that we are. our forefathers fought for us to be able to say that we like this/that and dont like this/that without being chastised for it. if everybody was completely open we'd all be the same. now in agreeance i think everyone has 2 respect the opposing side. if ure pro-abortion u have to respect the person that isnt while u voice your opinion. however i have no problem with having views and beliefs that counter someone elses. just respect.

Answer 7

In a philosophical sense, an opened mind to things we should accept in a social sense and a closed mind to prejudice would create a utopia. But it is merely a dream, because of selfishness and preconceptions made manifest by preconceived notions.

Answer 8

extremist of any subject are not capable of reasoning, and usually have a distorted view of that particular subject. Some are
passive and some demand everyone else shares their opinion.
Terrorists are the worst of the lot.

Answer 9

I absolutely think so. There are so many issues that have extremists that do more harm than good. Also, it's ok to have an opinion, it's not okay to use that opinion to bully or hurt other people.

Answer 10

Yep. Extremism of beliefs DO create strife (and chaos)..

Just look at Bin Laden and his people...
The Abu Sayyafs..
And other "terrorist" groups..