False-consensus
This week I want to address the “false-consensus bias” and some of the outrage that we see playing out so publicly today. What exactly is the false-consensus bias? Please allow me to explain it by way of an example.
I recently posted this comment about the passing of Nancy Reagan, “She was a wonderful human being and a great First Lady–rest in peace Mrs. Reagan.” Right away this remark was added by a Facebook friend, “That’s not how I remember her. You need to get smart!”
Okay, think about this. Obviously I experienced the false-consensus bias, for in my mind, the woman had just passed and both sides of the aisle were praising her role as First Lady as well as for the love she shared with President Reagan. That said, obviously there were folks out there who hated the woman—but then, aren’t we all likely to have someone who strongly dislikes each of us?
Consensus
When we stop for a moment and really think about consensus, it’s unlikely that we could find an issue that would be met with universal agreement. The real problem then is we tend not to think about those who might not agree with us. Instead you hear startled responses to statements as though everyone did indeed share the same opinion. Let me provide an example for clarity.
Suppose someone says, “I am a strong supporter of the 2nd amendment.” We might hear this sort of response, “You’re kidding aren’t you. Your not one of those religious nuts clinging to your guns and your gods, are you?”
Now we have an argument, not the expression of honest differences, and that is the point of today’s spotlight. The remark, “Religious nuts clinging to guns and gods,” is a denigrating attack on the intelligence of a person supporting the 2nd Amendment. This sort of difference devolves quickly, and this is exactly the sort of thing we have seen with some of the debates this year. Issues disappear and ad hominem attacks dominate the exchange between otherwise rational people.
The Other Side May Not Be So Dumb
Here’s a simple solution and it has actually been proven to work. Instead of assuming that the person you disagree with is dumb and stupid, ask them to expand on why they think as they do. Let them talk it all out. Encourage them to share their ideas about their opinion and only after hearing them out, offer your own evidence if you’re still inclined to do so. This may take some patience but what you are likely to find is that as they express their perspective, they will realize either how shallow it is and/or, you may find that your own opinion might have room for remodeling.
We supposedly live in a civil society and it’s shameful when we are unable to hear another out, but instead must raise our voices and talk over one another, as though that in and of itself was intelligent.
As always, thanks for the read and I appreciate your feedback.
Eldon Taylor
Provocative Enlightenment
NY Time Bestselling Author of Choices and Illusions
www.eldontaylor.com