Alright, you have convinced me, I will subscribe. However, I have to say that I am truly exhausted of being able to see and understand the problems, and yet not really knowing what to do about it. I shared one Hymie Rubenstein article about KIRS with someone in my family (someone who likes cbc), and it nearly ended our relationship. If I persist, I know it will end many relationships. Perhaps I lack courage, but my fear is that we can beat our drums as loudly as possible, but only those in our echo chamber will care to listen.
I believe Leon Festinger, the psychologist who originated the theory of cognitive dissonance, said it best:
“A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.
We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.
But man’s resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief, that he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: what will happen? The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken, but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor about convincing and converting other people to his view.”
I appreciate and agree with those statements from Leon Festinger. Thanks for that. I also appreciate your acknowledgement that sharing facts that run counter to the acceptable narrative can threaten relationships. And they can be relationships that MATTER to us.
The following (seen on social media; not my words) drives the problem home, while also offering a tiny bit of comic relief:
<< My favourite thing that’s ever happened to me on the internet is the time a guy said “People change their minds when you show them facts,” and I said, “Actually, studies show that’s not true,” and linked TWO sources, and he said, “Yeah, well I still think it works.” >>
Keeping a watchful and sceptical eye on woke and its growth and rapid expansion is very useful and enlightening. But what stands out in this overwhelming capture is bewilderment at to the fertile and submissive ground this cultural upheaval enjoys. Yes, we and our institutions have been primed well just for such conquest. But we should not just concentrate on lamenting and countering. It can be wasteful and exhausting. We need also to work for the models we want to see.
Right now, the biggest example of a coercive institution is the monopoly compulsory public education system. There are few choices for families to exit or influence this trap. We need to hear about more examples like the Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, and Florida efforts to bring universal choice to education. Alberta is the only province in Canada that has charter schools, and even these are few and far-between. Hoping the BC provincial election will hear school choice as a promise from the parties in October 2024.
Thank you James. I hope a few more can step up and pay. I very much appreciate the content. I wish being anti woke didn't take up so much time and energy.
The idea of solutions is one that must be front and center IMO. While the knowledge base you are providing is excellent, we must not get so focused on the craziness that we forget to seek growth and solutions, for ourselves and others we interact with. Thank you for that.
Alright, you have convinced me, I will subscribe. However, I have to say that I am truly exhausted of being able to see and understand the problems, and yet not really knowing what to do about it. I shared one Hymie Rubenstein article about KIRS with someone in my family (someone who likes cbc), and it nearly ended our relationship. If I persist, I know it will end many relationships. Perhaps I lack courage, but my fear is that we can beat our drums as loudly as possible, but only those in our echo chamber will care to listen.
I believe Leon Festinger, the psychologist who originated the theory of cognitive dissonance, said it best:
“A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.
We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.
But man’s resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief, that he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: what will happen? The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken, but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor about convincing and converting other people to his view.”
Thank you.
I appreciate and agree with those statements from Leon Festinger. Thanks for that. I also appreciate your acknowledgement that sharing facts that run counter to the acceptable narrative can threaten relationships. And they can be relationships that MATTER to us.
The following (seen on social media; not my words) drives the problem home, while also offering a tiny bit of comic relief:
<< My favourite thing that’s ever happened to me on the internet is the time a guy said “People change their minds when you show them facts,” and I said, “Actually, studies show that’s not true,” and linked TWO sources, and he said, “Yeah, well I still think it works.” >>
Keeping a watchful and sceptical eye on woke and its growth and rapid expansion is very useful and enlightening. But what stands out in this overwhelming capture is bewilderment at to the fertile and submissive ground this cultural upheaval enjoys. Yes, we and our institutions have been primed well just for such conquest. But we should not just concentrate on lamenting and countering. It can be wasteful and exhausting. We need also to work for the models we want to see.
Right now, the biggest example of a coercive institution is the monopoly compulsory public education system. There are few choices for families to exit or influence this trap. We need to hear about more examples like the Arkansas, Utah, Iowa, and Florida efforts to bring universal choice to education. Alberta is the only province in Canada that has charter schools, and even these are few and far-between. Hoping the BC provincial election will hear school choice as a promise from the parties in October 2024.
Well, apparently I am off to discover Paideia system of education. I needed something new to chase down!
Have a great trip! (You are about to go down a pathway of discovery like no other).
Keep up the good work.
The Western canon and Western civilization are priceless gems.
Thank you James. I hope a few more can step up and pay. I very much appreciate the content. I wish being anti woke didn't take up so much time and energy.
The idea of solutions is one that must be front and center IMO. While the knowledge base you are providing is excellent, we must not get so focused on the craziness that we forget to seek growth and solutions, for ourselves and others we interact with. Thank you for that.
'Whore of Havana' The Justin Trudeau Story (Premiere)
Premiere of 'Whore of Havana' The Justin Trudeau Story
A Film by Dean Ryan
Exploring the checkered past of Canada's notorious Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deep rooted
connection to Fidel Castro.
https://rumble.com/v4x8c1f-whore-of-havana-the-justin-trudeau-story-film.html