Groupthink and Change

Have you ever been completely turned off by a protest or demonstration?

Probably.

Maybe you did not understand why a group that was so passionate about a particular subject could literally hurt their cause with their own attempt at helping it. The reason this occurs is actually fairly simple. Its the phenomenon of groupthink.

Groupthink is basically what its name suggests. It occurs when the members of a group avoid ideas outside of the perceived consensus of the group. Groupthink often occurs in groups of generally like minded people, groups with powerful leaders, and isolation from outside influences.

"Possible" and "Probable" Examples?

How hot-button is the issue of abortion? This is an issue that often is taken up by groups with extreme sides. Anybody who has seen a picture of a dead fetus knows the demonstration technique of many pro-life groups. Personally, I have a very moderate view of abortion, as do most Americans. In most situations, it is easiest to sway a "moderate" view to one particular extreme than, to sway one extreme view to the complete other side. The moderate view simply has a shorter way to go. So, there are likely several methods to sway most people to either a pro-life or a pro-choice opinion. But, many pro-life groups are isolated and believe they are absolutely right and any other opinion is not valid and thus not accepted.

War? Anti-war protesters make me want to bomb every country in the world, just to see who gets the most mad. That being said, I am vehemently opposed to war. Anti-war protesters successfully those who moderately oppose but, those who completely agree with their cause.

Evangelical Christians may be the worst groupthinkers. Thriving churches are such based on their charismatic leaders, they preach that the outside world has it wrong, and they encourage becoming close with other Christians.

The liberal movement promotes open minds and a variety of ideas. But, liberal people are often as bad as conservatives and dismissing those who do not carry the same values. Often, they are worse. I have seen very conservative evangelical Christians open their house to a Hindu Indian. I have seen racist southern men work side by side with black people. I know that often things of this nature occur through gritted teeth and rolled eyes but, at least they happen. Liberals in Berkley, CA kicked out the US Marines, liberals participate in modern day "white-flight" by moving to areas where other like minded people reside, liberals fail to recognize that while they are right to want a diversity of opinion they forget that conservatives have been just as valuable to the world as they have.

Now, I do not have specific studies to back up my claims this time. But, I know what I see. If you feel the need to protest, then protest. But, how can you expect to change somebody else's opinion, if you have no relationship with that person? The march on Washington led by Martin Luther King Jr. had a profound impact on our country. But, without people of different races actually communicating on a personal level, it would have been pointless.

If you truly believe that abortion or war should never occur, that every soul on the planet should be a Christian soul, that your opinion is absolutely right, then you will take the time to get to know the people you wish to persuade. Once you understand a differing view, you will be more able to discuss how to further your cause. You should never be afraid to bring up alternatives.

Bottom Line? Seriously? Just get some guts and use your head.

Rabbit