I've been thinking a lot on media literacy, epistemology, political rhetoric, and so on. I'm concerned by the fact that good faith debate with most people is impossible. Education will help with some of this, but I've begun to suspect that the underlying issue is that people take a difference of opinion or new information as a personal attack and are offended even before the conversation starts. As if the concept itself, that other people could think differently or have information they don't, is beyond their reasoning or just offensive in itself. How do we have productive discourse in a society that seems to be losing emotional regulation in this way? I've also come to suspect that the ability to think about your own thoughts and consider the sources and influences that cause you to have your thoughts is not an ability all humans are able to develop. I think there is a large swath of the species for whom thoughts happen in the way the base bodily functions happen for most of us. Autonomously and without observation or perception. These people aren't even able to realize they can control their stream of consciousness. Maybe that's harsh?

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Sarah

ISTJ

Gemini

I think it's harsh to assume that people are incapable of learning to develop these things. IMO, this all falls back to my recognization of people no longer learning to think critically. Emotional well being is (becoming) a huge focus in school curriculums, however that seems to have pushed out writing/critical thinking lessons. And it seems to me that if more people had a better understanding of how to evaluate what they read, and not just repeat facts of it, then they would be better equipped to handle the complaints you have.

Eris

INTP

Gemini

There are two types of people that can't be fixed; crazy and stupid. Encouraging critical thinking skills in schools would probably help 'average' people more than outright knowledge. Yes, some people(liberals in my experience) tie their identity to something presented to them. Anything outside that opinion becomes an ego threat.

Niko Law

INTP

Libra

Hard to teach those that think they already have the answer.

Josh

INTP

Sagittarius

Productive discourse requires unified thought and a goal to work towards. But discourse isn't the issue- it's the interests and principles behind it. It's natural for people to fall into routines and habits that make them comfortable, our biology is wired to seek stable, safe patterns because that usually works in keeping us alive physically and emotionally. And, unless something threatens those habits, getting someone to stop becomes a very stubborn fight. So, the issue is if people can leave what they want to do, so they can do what they should do. With instant entertainment, instant food delivery and no ability to represent themselves or talk with the upper classes, most people don't have a reason to prioritize questioning thenselves over attending to food, work, bills and entertainment. It's not a bad thing by nature, it's just how it is and how it's been for civilization, the only difference now is smartphones and internet presence instead of auditoriums and village festivals. If you'd like to change it, revolutionize how we grow crops. Invent a way to produce pure water anywhere. Change our currency. Make a material that's strong and light and can be used for plumbing, aircraft and buildings. People will adapt to the change and change themselves or miss the wave.

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