Is there anything at ALL that could be said by your political opponents that would change your political affiliation? For example, is there anything a conservative could say that would make a liberal change their mind about abortion? Or is there anything a liberal could say that could change a conservative's mind about the war in Iraq?
So, if people are so steadfast in their views, why do they think they can modify other's views? Aren't we just wasting our time arguing about the issues that are so politicized? Don't people realize that these arguments start and end with nobody changing their viewpoints? How dumb.
Consider these examples:
-can anyone convince an atheist that God exists? No (waste of time)
-can anyone convince a Liberal that we should stay in Iraq? No way.
-can anyone convince a Conservative that Bill Clinton was a great president? No way
-can anyone convince a militant minority group that racial profiling is an appropriate tactic? No way.
2006-10-14 17:15:41 · 12 answers · asked by envision_man 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
I guess the main question is this: does anyone actually think they are changing minds out there, or is everyone content to know that they are just 'preaching to the choir', so-to-speak?
2006-10-14 17:18:01 · update #1
I have a friend who was an atheist in High School and he is now a priest. So fundamental shifts in beliefs CAN occur.
I have been a registered Democrat for my entire life. But I voted for Reagan over Mondale, and I voted for Bush Sr over Dukakis.
There are some people who are so polarized on the issues that it's not likely they'll be swayed. It's the people in the center, like me, who decide which way things go. In the end 10% of the population will decide who wins and who loses: the 10% in the middle. And if you can sway THEM, you can win.
2006-10-14 17:31:04 · answer #1 · answered by Chredon 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I definitely could, and have. I began life as a Republican, then I went to university and became more liberal. Then I read Ayn Rand (and a few other things) and now I'm more Libertarian. As a Libertarian, I am able to agree and disagree with the two political parties on a variety of issues. I used to like George Bush, but after watching him for six years, I don't anymore. Perhaps this is not true for everyone who debates on websites like this, but I actually read what people say and think about it. For example, the extreme polarization exhibited here is not something I was aware of (I've been living abroad for more than four years). I know it's difficult, but try to be a little less cynical.
2006-10-14 17:43:00 · answer #2 · answered by machirandian 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your question is too long for me to go into at this time but i would like to have an online discussion with you at some time. just let me know if you want to.
i have been involved in politics since i was 5 y/o when my cousin was elected gov of Arkansas.
my views have evolved thru the years and i an not liberal, conservative, libertarian, populist, or any other label but a combination of all.
excellently worded question. hope we can have a chat.
travis mccoy tmccoy3@sbcglobal.net
2006-10-14 18:28:07 · answer #3 · answered by arkie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can someone who believes strongly in something be convinced in the opposite opinion by words alone? No. Can someone be convinced that an issue is important that they previously thought was unimportant with words alone? Probably. The more important reason for the rhetoric is the undecided citizen who either hasn't made up their mind, sees good and bad things with all sides of the issue, or simply didn't care to start with.
2006-10-14 17:30:11 · answer #4 · answered by Son of a Mitch 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If we changed our minds, wouldn't we be flip-floppers?
Just kidding. I think there are two incorrect assertions in your post.
1. Plenty of liberals are opposed to abortion rights and plenty of conservatives are opposed to the war in Iraq.
2. I think your examples are probably generally true. But, I also think plenty of atheists have found God, plenty of liberals already believe we should stay in Iraq for some time but probably less than conservatives. I don't have a comment on your other 2 examples.
Anyway. I think a lot of people listen to others and usually most of us see more than one side of most issues.
2006-10-14 17:28:03 · answer #5 · answered by imnogeniusbutt 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
sure, I definitely have replaced somebody's political attitude. i've got additionally replaced my own in the previous. every physique who sticks with preconceived recommendations and in no way re-evaluates their positions consistent with new documents or new circumstances would not think of ok -- they are dogmatic, in basic terms like non secular nutcases who think of the international is 6,000 years old in spite of the a lot of information that that's lots older. "turn-flopping" has replace right into a unfavorable term in the previous few elections, yet re-comparing your positions is a few thing that every physique could desire to do in many cases. or you're in basic terms a "ditto-head." :(
2016-10-16 05:13:14 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all, that is not my objective, I use answers for entertainment, nobody is going to change my views on here either. Liberals are mentally ill, and they know it. Maybe.
2006-10-14 17:30:19 · answer #7 · answered by Huevos Rancheros 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. I believe you can gradually grow to change your views and certainly some traumatic event may make you change your opinion on a certain issue.
2006-10-14 17:21:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some things aren't views at all, they are values. Much different and harder to change.
2006-10-14 17:18:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
Not at all, that is not my objective, I use answers for entertainment, nobody is going to change my views on here either, Repuglicans are dumb and most of them know it.
2006-10-14 17:22:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 5⤋