Why do we debate politics with anyone so entrenched in their political beliefs?

This question is not particularly aimed at one party, people of both sides are just as guilty of this.

I’ve pretty much stopped doing it. It saves me a lot of blood, sweat and futile tears.

It is losing it’s appeal.
You can’t get through to the entrenched no matter what facts,links, news casts, you cite.
They just refuse to believe it no matter what.

@SQUEEKY2 When people rely on different “facts” it’s hard to have a productive discussion. And what we believe is often on such a gut level that an appeal to reason is non-productive.

I’ve gone through the “it’s not worth it”/“but it’s necessary” cycle most of my adult life. And I can’t say I have it figured out. But for the past couple of years, I have been back to running my mouth like I did in my twenties. Here’s where I am currently:

- Silence = acceptance is more than just a cute saying. Staying silent signals that you are ok with the status quo.

- There are people who are on the fence on certain issues, and are just not very informed.

- People are social creatures and don’t like to rock the boat (* most people). They don’t want to be the one person making a fuss. But speaking out makes it safer for others to do the same.

- I have blood on my hands. My tax dollars have paid for some horrible things. I’m not quite capable of resolving this in my own mind, and it causes some very tangible pain. This results in anger that is best expressed through vocal opposition to such things.

- I am a parent. I don’t lecture my kids, but as a model to them, I don’t want to be a silent participant in the status quo. The future is more theirs than it is mine. And I don’t want to be resented as being silent while I paid for the destruction of their future.

- People really can change their mind. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen. But more importantly, it is possible to be a small contributing factor to someone having a slight shift in perspective.

Anyway, I could go back to just shutting up about this stuff at some point, but I’m not sure I can right now. And it’s not like I spout off at everyone I meet. There are appropriate moments to have a discussion or to disrupt. I considered being more active recently, but have found excuses due to family, etc (really no excuse). Maybe soon I will be more active. For now, I contribute financially to organizations (DSA, ACLU, etc).

@thisismyusername Just to elucidate my position; not being willing to debate with people who are entrenched in their beliefs does not mean that I am silent about mine or that I don’t actively stabd up for what I believe in.

@janbb – No, I get that. When I talk about silence, I’m really just talking about myself. I am very unsettled about the whole thing. My silence weighs heavy on my mind.

@SQUEEKY2 That is the number one question! It makes no sense to debate a person deeply erntrenched in their political beliefs! It is an exercise in futility!

That is what I am trying to say,these people regardless of what party they agree, believe in won’t change their ways no matter what we say, sure make your views heard but that is about as far as one can go.
I just would like to know what makes someone such a blind follower.

There is a bit of a difference between real life and the internet. In real life I am not going to bother. But on the internet I have audience. And my audience is not the person I am arguing with. If you get my drift.

@johnpowell Good point.

Interacting with those that have differing opinions from our own helps us learn. If you and I have different opinions about political views, if we never interact, we will never learn why the other person holds the views they do. The key is that we need to be willing to listen and to change, if necessary. If more people were like that, we probably wouldn’t have so many people entrenched in their political views.

Well that’s democracy I suppose. People do change their views but I don’t really try to convince them. I explain what my views are and why I hold them and sometimes point out weaknesses in the evidence used to support a case. It is important as political issues are often also issues of morality. I don’t believe most voters are immoral so I am curious as to how people justify their beliefs.

I love arguing politics, it’s how I was raised- to know and defend my position with facts. Frankly I just think it’s fun and interesting and every once in awhile I learn something that may or may not change my views. Personally I have a different take on Trump than most people and I believe that most of what he does is intentional for his own amusement or manipulation.

I totally agree with ya on that @KNOWITALL .