7 in 30 III - Why won't they see the REAL ME?

[pavel_lishin]

Someone linked me to this gem of a blog on OkCupid today:

"Republicans need not apply..."Y'know, I wonder why so many women say that. I bet none of them have actually met a REAL Republican. I'm not talking about the neocons you see on the news, but the real conservatives who are the bread and butter of Middle America

Comments

[eazyt]

Well I'm neither Republican nor Democrat, and the extremes of both would create a turn-off for me. People who choose selective interpretations of ancient texts full of contradicting stories over common sense, I could never seriously deal with. On the flip side, people with ultra-left ideals like, "land shouldn't be something that can be owned" I couldn't get along with either. Whats important to me, is that people have an educated opinion. If they are pro-life, why? Is their reasoning valid, or loosely based on what everyone else is doing? Are they able to defend their opinions, and when facts don't exist or can't be objectively presented (such as why they follow a particular faith) are they ok with simply saying, "well, I believe this because it's what feels the most right" and leave it at that, without trying to "convert" others.

People who have some sort of opinion - and then when presented with a good counter-argument, or facts supporting an opposing opinion - CHANGE their opinion in light of the new "evidence" get bonus points from me, as that indicates open-mindedness.

However I do think it's POSSIBLE to have relationships with those who have opposing political viewpoints. My best friend and myself are often at opposite sides of the fence on a number of issues, but we know the difference between debate and taking things personally.

[passionateabyss]

Changing ones “educated opinions” and religious convictions is more of an indicator that the person has no spine than the person being open-minded. Being open-minded means that you’re receptive to other peoples ideas not that you’re going to change everything you think just because someone throws a reference at you.

[eazyt]

Changing an opinion just because someone else says yours sucks is an indicator of spinelessness. Changing an opinion when overwhelming evidence is presented that destroys your logic and reasoning behind your stance is being open-minded. For example:

Spineless:

Person 1: "This table glows in the dark!"
Person 2: "No, it doesn't."
Person 1: "Oh, ok, it doesn't!"

Open-Minded:

Person 1: "This table glows in the dark!"
Person 2: "No, it doesn't. Observe." *turns off lights* *table doesn't glow*
Person 1: "Oh wow, I guess it doesn't then!"