The Art of Listening

[GMDino]

(07-29-2019, 09:53 AM)Bengalzona Wrote: He discovered that he was wrong. And, for people entrenched in a similar group and/or ideology, it is the only way it can truly happen. In the additional links above, I have a link from a former member of the Westboro Baptist Church who also had a revelation. But it won't happen with someone who is arguing in their face or shouting insults at them. That is de-humanizing. It happens with someone who disagrees with them, but still treats them with respect and dignity... even though their ideology may be ugly and reprehensible. As Dr. Martin Luther King said, "Talk with people where they are at." And one of the best ways to show someone respect is to listen to them, even if you don't agree with them.

And in principle I agree you get more flies with honey but this approach takes a long time and will only get the ones who are not deeply entrenched (I know we can't convert them all).  In the meantime the entrenched are sucking in the fringe simply by reinforcing them so they know they are "right" and converting more faster than we can save.

And that doesn't even touch on the ones who think the KKK or the Nazis are "right" and simply defending the "white race" (to use the one example). 

I fully understand what you are saying.  I'm playing devil's advocate that while conversion of a few at time is nice there is a problem when the "other side" is recruiting and growing much faster.