Open-mindedness in Conversation   


It's hard to keep an open mind during heated conversation, isn't it? People get identified with certain ideas and assert them fervently. They offer “Yes, but . . .” responses to those with different or opposing views. They don't really consider evidence against their own views. 
Why Are People Closed-minded? 

Once a belief has been established, it is hard to change. Often our beliefs are set early in life as a result of our up-bringing and limited 
exposure to other belief systems. For that reason, the majority of people share the religious faith and political beliefs of their 
parents. The adage says, “The way the twig is bent, so grows the tree.” 

Beliefs are maintained by selective exposure to information. Media research demonstrates that individuals privatize themselves by paying most attention to those media that support their beliefs and much less to media that offer contrary ideas. As well, birds of a feather DO flock together, so we surround ourselves with people of like mind in our clubs, churches, and workplace. 

Once polarized in our beliefs and opinions, we tend to ignore or dismiss contrary evidence so as “not to be confused by the facts.” 

Benefits of Open-Mindedness 

Being open-minded carries certain benefits, among them the ability to be less swayed by specific events and to be less susceptible to 
manipulation and suggestion. Open-minded people are more thoughtful and not so easily roused to anger because they can actually 
consider alternative views without upset. 

(Think of how beneficial open-mindedness would be for you when your Uncle Dick goes on a political rant with you during a holiday 
get-together! You could hear him out with civility and not ruin your day.) 

How to Increase Your Open-Mindedness 

Here are two exercises attributed to Catherine Freeman, a therapist and coach: 

1. Take a position opposite to your own on a 
controversial topic such as abortion or gun control. 
Generate at least 3 reasons to support this opposite 
position, the more the better. (This method is 
similar to what college debaters are required to do: 
to argue both sides of proposition with reasoned 
argument.) 

2. Recall a time someone wronged you and 
come up with some reasons why they may have 
done that inadvertently without intent to harm. 
(Also, The “Work” of Byron Katie has a simple, 
clear steps of 4 questions that is profoundly 
helpful in getting un-stuck from judgements. 
(Details at www.thework.org.) 

To an in-law firmly convinced of his rightness on a number of political issues, I say “I agree that we disagree.” I don't try to change him, and he offers himself as a model close-minded person. I can usually 
listen to his views without becoming upset, and once in a while I'll change my thinking. My intention is not that he change, but only 
that he be thoughtful when we talk. For me, that is a more attainable goal than change.