General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Want to drive a right winger insane? Adams, Jefferson, Madison and Paine on religion [View all]ewagner
(18,967 posts)It appears the real lesson of the book/article isn't that Republicans are dumb; instead it is a very important lesson for us liberals/progressives about why reasoning with conservatives doesn't work and, in fact, may make matters worse. It means that we should reconsider our strategy of "the truth shall make you free" when dealing with Republican/tea-party/conservative types because the research indicates that it only polarizes them more. The same research seems to indicate that conservatives are more focused on negative images and defensive postures, and, the more they become involved in politics and their images and stereotypes are reinforced the more entrenched they become in their beliefs...
This is breakthrough stuff in my opinion. I have been debating with conservatives for a long time and I can't remember one mind I've changed through either reason or eloquence....time to try something else...
I'm ordering the book from Amazon now!!!!