Post #46 Bridging the Polarization

I am not a professional sociologist, nor a psychologist. Following are some of my own layperson thoughts after reading about polarization of ideas (a widespread concern). There are many professional articles written on the subject.

Polarization in society can cause many problems. I have noted almost 50/50 election results in various countries in recent years. Many hope (& some research is agreeing) that a way forward lies through genuine curiosity & opening of our minds to “the other side”. Hopefully leading to a better understanding. There needs to be, once again, more gray areas (middle ground) found.

I recently ran into this idea: “a new study suggests, surprisingly, that ambivalence [being uncertain] can actually lead some people… [towards support] of extreme actions”. I guess they may ‘double down’ because they want to appear stronger of mind. One conclusion is that some people do not feel comfortable with uncertainty. Also suggested: that people with polarized views hardly ever get exposed to alternate viewpoints.

My mind (most minds?) simply don’t work that way. Many think: it is okay (& perfectly valid) to not be sure about everything. Okay to leave room for new information; for our belief(s) to be challenged. To perhaps be persuaded differently, given strong enough evidence.

Apparently some were taught in their development years that it’s not all right to be ambiguous. That ideas/beliefs should always be strong & non-negotiable. They might then have a concept of “the need to be certain about everything – or almost everything”. That as a capable grown-up, even if one doesn’t know about all things, it’s important to always project that one does.

I reflect that (luckily) neither my own mind, my parents, nor my early teachers taught me that I must decide “right & wrong”, “black & white” in all matters as soon as possible. Instead there was room for life experiences (& interpretation of them) that would eventually lead the adult me to stronger opinions. & A willingness to keep on absorbing new information. Curiosity.

Suggesting: it is okay to not be certain yet on all matters (especially at an early age, before many life experiences). And/or when traveling. Because one might find that people in another place have good reasons to disagree with something people believe in your home area. By asking, we might discover that they have interesting reasons.

It can be important to think things through before making up one’s mind, & not automatically just react the same way as one’s crowd. In fact it has been shown that “listening to many different points of view, rather than just our favorites” can help reduce polarization of ideas. With the worthwhile goal in mind of creating a more peaceful future with our neighbours (even ones we might sometimes disagree with).