Are we as a society able to hear or read an opinion we disagree with without demonising the speaker?
Less and less I fear because what some call “the death of journalism” is actually the death of compassion and objectivity.
We are becoming increasingly intolerant of views outside our own.
I see it too often on social media. When an article or an opinion pushes someone’s buttons they lash out at the author and anyone who might disagree with them. The verbal violence is so extreme you rarely see a healthy debate anymore because if anyone dares disagree they will certainly suffer a torrent of abuse.
Two weeks ago the Courier published an article titled “Cannabis users missing diagnosis”, which appears to have deeply offended a few people.
The article offered a less than popular view with both a doctor and a psychologist weighing in on the potential dangers of vague legislation and the increasing trend of people self-diagnosing and treating themselves with cannabis and cannabis-derived CBD oil.
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The article was not intended to write off the potential benefits of cannabis, recognising for example its use in pain relief, but to stimulate discussion over the casual use of a drug that science has not yet come to grips with. But instead of debate, a torrent of mud slinging followed at not only the professionals quoted but at anyone who might venture to disagree.
I was mulling over this when I came across the most recent podcast by cognitive neuroscientist and celebrated author Dr Caroline Leaf.
She was one of the first in her field to study how we can change our brains with directed mind input (neuroplasticity). Introducing the podcast she writes: “As a society, we have forgotten how to argue and disagree in a civil way.
This is causing untold stress and anger, and affecting many people’s relationships. So, in this episode, I give you eight tips to help you successfully navigate conversations with someone who has a different political opinion, and how to protect your mental health and relationships.”
If we don’t manage our minds, she says, we can actually wire toxic and damaging thoughts into our minds, damaging our physical brain. This will affect how we treat people and how we feel mentally and physically.
First, she recommends imagining a shield around your mind. You are able to listen to the news or whatever it is you find upsetting but you are safe from it. The arrows simply bounce off you. This simple change in approach, she says, shifts the way the brain processes information.
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As you visualise this shield your thinking changes, activating different neural pathways. This changes how your brain structurally functions in that moment, helping you to stay calm.
I won’t give away the entire podcast but here are a few of her recommendations:
• Be curious. A curious mindset leads you to question your own assumptions.
• Acknowledge your feelings but don’t let them frustrate or control you. Just because we feel something doesn’t make it correct.
• Listen to what is being said not who is saying it. Focus on the details so that you don’t demonise the speaker and make it personal.
• Examine your own world view. People get upset when they feel they are being threatened. We need to recognise that it is normal for people to have different perspectives. It’s too easy to label someone as the enemy because you disagree with them.
I think we all can benefit from Dr Leaf’s advice. Whether it be our interactions on Facebook or our reaction to contentious subjects, not only would it improve our relationships but, significantly, our mental health.
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Never argue with a fool. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience.
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Proverbs 26 vs 12
“There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.”
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