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Hello from the Bible Belt!
As I’ve mentioned in other threads, there are many ways to be an activist. I like to fight misinformation and propaganda.
In this thread, I’ll discuss some of the ways I successfully engage with people IRL. What works for me and what doesn’t.
As I’ve mentioned in other threads, there are many ways to be an activist. I like to fight misinformation and propaganda.
In this thread, I’ll discuss some of the ways I successfully engage with people IRL. What works for me and what doesn’t.
When NY late-term abortion was a hot topic, I convinced an entire table of rednecks to support it (or at least, not oppose it) and I consider that one of my greatest achievements.
But how did I do it? I have a list of “don’ts” that I religiously follow:
But how did I do it? I have a list of “don’ts” that I religiously follow:
Don’t: Get emotional, angry, or frustrated.
Why: This brings out the argumentative side of people. Most people don’t know how to have productive disagreements with people they love. How can they have one with someone they don’t know?
Why: This brings out the argumentative side of people. Most people don’t know how to have productive disagreements with people they love. How can they have one with someone they don’t know?
Don’t: Interrupt or invalidate.
Why: These two things are quick ways to shutdown conversation. You make it clear that the other person’s opinions don’t matter, so why should they listen to yours?
Why: These two things are quick ways to shutdown conversation. You make it clear that the other person’s opinions don’t matter, so why should they listen to yours?
Don’t: Point fingers.
Why: It’s easy to get frustrated with the apathy of others but remember this person isn’t responsible for the state of the world. They didn’t create this society of isolation and individualism. They’re just trying to survive too.
Why: It’s easy to get frustrated with the apathy of others but remember this person isn’t responsible for the state of the world. They didn’t create this society of isolation and individualism. They’re just trying to survive too.
So those are my main “don’ts”, please comment below with other suggestions to the list.
Now for my “do’s”
Now for my “do’s”
Do: Listen
Why: Active listening is the most crucial aspect of productive conversation. If YOU’RE not actively listening, why would you expect the other person to?
Why: Active listening is the most crucial aspect of productive conversation. If YOU’RE not actively listening, why would you expect the other person to?
Do: Ask open questions
Why: First of all, people love to talk about themselves. This makes it easier to feel connected and to create less of an “other” mentality. How can you change someone’s perspective if you don’t know where that perspective comes from?
Why: First of all, people love to talk about themselves. This makes it easier to feel connected and to create less of an “other” mentality. How can you change someone’s perspective if you don’t know where that perspective comes from?
Do: Find common ground
Why: We are all in this together and not only does this help w/ establishing a connection but it allows the other person to more easily process and validate the information you’re giving them. It’s a “they think like me” process, making you less of “them”
Why: We are all in this together and not only does this help w/ establishing a connection but it allows the other person to more easily process and validate the information you’re giving them. It’s a “they think like me” process, making you less of “them”
Do: Make eye contact and smile (or be friendly in general)
Why: Hostility breeds hostility and the goal is to make an ally NOT an enemy.
Why: Hostility breeds hostility and the goal is to make an ally NOT an enemy.
That’s my list of “do’s” and “don’ts”, again please comment below if you have any helpful additions for this list.
I want to end this thread w/some examples I’ve successfully used in the past.
Remember most people are regurgitating MSM talking points & just don’t “get it”
I want to end this thread w/some examples I’ve successfully used in the past.
Remember most people are regurgitating MSM talking points & just don’t “get it”
BLM/Kneeling: This is the one I’ve found people genuinely don’t understand. While some people are intentionally obtuse, a lot just need it explained. That the “too” is implied and that kneeling was meant to be respectful. I like to use a “misunderstanding” narrative.
Wage Increase: It never ceases to amaze me how many working class people are opposed to a wage increase down here. There seems to be two main reasons:
1. “If wages go up, cost of living goes up, so what’s the point” They know this to be true b/c subconsciously they know the
1. “If wages go up, cost of living goes up, so what’s the point” They know this to be true b/c subconsciously they know the
Oligarchy will do this so they continue to make billions. I don’t always offer solutions b/c often people I’m talking to aren’t ready for more than redirecting their anger at the rich.
2. “But that’s not fair to me” This is the elitist perspective. Often these people only make
2. “But that’s not fair to me” This is the elitist perspective. Often these people only make
A few dollars more than minimum wage but they know they earned it so they wonder how is it fair that someone else doesn’t have to. I point out that if their job is a “$5 more than minimum wage” job than they’d receive more too.
Affordable Education: This is usually a “how is that fair to me” thing as well. I validate by telling them it isn’t and it wasn’t fair they had to go into so much debt for something that benefits society (all of us.) But wouldn’t it be great if their children and grandchildren
Didn’t have to share that burden?
Healthcare: The propaganda machine worked overtime with this one and most people that oppose it here (although the numbers did decrease a lot this year) do so because they think they’ll get less, not more. Explain otherwise.
Healthcare: The propaganda machine worked overtime with this one and most people that oppose it here (although the numbers did decrease a lot this year) do so because they think they’ll get less, not more. Explain otherwise.
There’s plenty more but I’m going to stop there.
The biggest thing to remember is that most people aren’t happy. The common ground I usually find is that politicians are garbage. I use that to stress that we’re all more or less on the same page but the people in change want us
The biggest thing to remember is that most people aren’t happy. The common ground I usually find is that politicians are garbage. I use that to stress that we’re all more or less on the same page but the people in change want us
To fight amongst ourselves because they know we’re more powerful in numbers.
Also, I’m specifically referring to conversation with people who are NOT politically active. Although, I use the “do’s” and “don’ts” for any productive engagement.
Also, I’m specifically referring to conversation with people who are NOT politically active. Although, I use the “do’s” and “don’ts” for any productive engagement.
Anyway, this was the stuff that works for me and is obviously not a one-size-fits-all. Hope at least a few people find this helpful and thanks for reading!
Also also, #GeneralStrike
Also also, #GeneralStrike
