I like listening to people from a variety of backgrounds and political beliefs, not because I necessarily agree with them, but because it gives insights into the human condition and reveals issues that need to be addressed.
Sometimes they have great ideas and sometimes they have ideas that are counterproductive, not practical, and even dangerous, but underneath all of that, there often is a human need not being met or some other issue that needs to be addressed.
If you can identity and address the real issue that is underneath it all, you can solve the problem. It may take time and effort, but it can be addressed over time. And people are less likely to engage in dangerous or counterproductive thoughts and plans if their problems are solved in some other way.
Or put another way, if you want less haters, remove the reasons why they hate, then the hate becomes harder and harder for them to justify in their own mind.
People who have their economic needs met and have a certain level of comfort in life won't riot, loot, steal, and burn down neighborhoods. People who are secure in their employment are not afraid of others stealing their jobs. People who feel safe don't treat everyone else as a threat.
There is always an issue underneath the issue.
And it goes both ways. If they are open to listening, they see things from another perspective, and that could influence them in a positive way.
When people believe in inaccurate negative stereotypes, the very act of exposing them to a more diverse set of people and ideas often helps dispel those stereotypes. When they see for themselves that not all x are y, they start to question their own inaccurate beliefs.
But you can't identity the real problem, and you can't transform people's thoughts unless you talk to people who might disagree with you and listen to them. Then, and only then, can you engage in productive discussions that solve the underlying problems.
And, remember, just because you listen does not mean you have to agree. Just because you forgive someone does not mean you have to pardon them from the consequences of their actions. And just because they believe certain things now, that does not mean they will believe the same things later. And, most importantly, you have to remember that people, including yourself, are human beings, and therefore not perfect.
I want to make the world a better place, so I listen and see if we can come up with a plan that does not involve hate or violence or inaccurate negative stereotypes. Because, most of the time, if you address the core issues, solutions can be created peacefully.
