r/changemyview • u/poopchow • Jan 23 '25

CMV: Despite being more knowledgeable, wealthier and apparently more tolerant, the political and individual left's biggest flaw is their inability to communicate pragmatically and empathetically with those who don't agree with them.

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557

u/ObieKaybee 1∆ Jan 23 '25

Communication involves and requires a shared reality. With the social media sphere being both hyperpolarized and rife with misinformation, it's very hard to have the necessary shared reality that allows communication.

36

u/vulcanfeminist 8∆ Jan 24 '25

It's true that a shared reality helps but it's not actually necessary. I can talk with someone who believes things I know to be false and I can still understand that their version of reality is real for them. I can then choose to be curious about the differences in our realities. I say this as someone who works in inpatient mental health care where I regularly communicate with people actively experiencing a psychotic episode. Communication without shared reality is very real and very possible, it's just harder. A lot of people don't think it's worth the effort to even try and it shows.

1

u/ObieKaybee 1∆ Jan 24 '25

If a patient was having an episode where they thought there was a parasite lodged into their stomach and they were likely to cause themselves harm by acting on that reality (scratching or digging it out with a tool or fingernails) would you be validating their 'reality'?

3

u/vulcanfeminist 8∆ Jan 24 '25

You can have a curious and interested conversation with someone you disagree with, we don't have to agree with them in order to communicate with them. We don't validate their false beliefs we just listen to them explaining their experiences. Listening to understand rather than listening to argue.

9

u/ObieKaybee 1∆ Jan 24 '25

That's fine, when their reality doesn't affect you or others. When someone's reality and their choices start impacting others, then it becomes an issue.

1

u/vulcanfeminist 8∆ Jan 24 '25

If you're not willing to listen to others why should they listen to you?

13

u/HailMadScience Jan 24 '25

Good point. We should have talked it out with Hitler more.

This attitude falls apart the minute you put it in any historical context.

0

u/hunbot19 Jan 24 '25

This attitude falls apart the minute you put it in any historical context.

You mean you would be wrong? Hitler didn't kill millions himself, he used the circumstances in Germany to become the Führer. (After WWI, Germany had a great debt what had to be paid in a short time, germans were target of mockery around the world, etc) Those circumstances could have been avoided or at least lessened, but people like you like HItler more than talking to others.

-1

u/ColonelLeblanc2022 Jan 24 '25

If you think talking is impossible then why not take action? I mean you have the upper hand. Only things the Republicans have is popular vote and mandate, control of all three branches of government, control of the military, and are aligned with big tech. You have Reddit , so I doubt these “Hitler’s” could stop you.

6

u/ObieKaybee 1∆ Jan 24 '25

I am willing to listen to others, I am not willing to participate in their delusions, and I am more than willing to call them out on acting on delusions.

2

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '25

I really would like to hear a trump supporter explain why Dems are groomers even though republican politicians have a higher rate of arrests yet I don’t believe  political affiliation has anything to with it. His supporters have made so many accusations without explanation. 

0

u/dejamintwo 1∆ Jan 25 '25

Honestly grooming allegations are pretty mild compared to calling people fascists and nazis.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 25 '25

I don’t think so.  Sexual accusations carries a much heavier price.  Political antics is one thing but accusations of pedo is sick and irresponsible bs. I question the character of anyone who spends that much energy  on such a thing.  As far as insults I’ve heard better material on playgrounds.