DictionaryAfter having a couple discussions about the post I wrote and read on youtube, I thought a follow-up would be appropriate… I'm a big fan of getting and giving feedback because of how much clarification can help in comprehension.
So I was told my biases came through in that last post, and my reaction was positive to that news. I really think that some of the most dangerous people are those who don't acknowledge (or worse: can't recognize) their own biases – they can be skilled at manipulation by gaining trust, and you may not know where they are intentionally leading you…
I would much prefer learning from those who are open and honest about which direction they lean. I think I've quoted the Lorax on this blog, or at least I've done social media posts about it:
“Q: Which way does a tree fall?
A: The direction it leans.
M: Be careful how you lean."
If you couldn't tell, people think I lean right, and as I mentioned, perceptions are important. The reality is that the culture has gone so far left that someone like me; with political bias chart results like this is perceived as far-right wing:
But instead of claiming I'm a left leaning individual, (though I do make that joke from time to time – because according to the chart it is true), I recognize that people perceive me as conservative and I embrace that characterization and encourage others to do so as well (that is, embrace the bias characterization others give you).
If you're having difficulty doing what I wrote about previously: agreeing to disagree with someone on a polarizing topic, perhaps try to discuss where you stand on the political spectrum? That might help focus on the relationship more than the disagreement, and I think if someone desires friendship more than they desire being right in an argument, they'd be willing to take the simple test and compare results. You can go right here right now!
If that doesn't work, try these 5 steps from the flow chart I drafted up a few months back. I think it's useful in knowing when to disengage or whether to engage at all! Comment below if you have any questions!
Peace,
Adam
And here's my updated political bias chart (took it just now!) – I told you the world is shifting left b/c now I'm on the right side of the spectrum, ha ha!
