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Dear {name},
This week, I had meaningful conversations with two fellow Texans who disagree with me on issues I care about. I’m really grateful to both individuals for engaging in those conversations. Conversing with folks who disagree with us helps to counter “confirmation bias”—the tendency we all have to seek out information and evidence that supports what we already believe. Countering confirmation bias takes intentional work, and it’s vital to effective advocacy.
Conversing with folks who share our beliefs makes us feel comfortable in the short run, but in the long run it leads to polarization. Conversing with folks who disagree with us sometimes makes us feel uncomfortable in the short run—but in the long run, it expands our perspective and can help us see solutions and options we could not otherwise have recognized. Both people I conversed with told me information I didn’t know, which forced me to interrogate my assumptions about the issues. They didn’t change my beliefs—but the perspectives they shared did help me see how my own ways of talking about the issues can raise barriers that keep me from advocating as effectively as I’d like for policies I believe in.
During this election cycle, I have heard a lot of people say, “I don’t understand how my relative/neighbor/co-worker can support Candidate X,” or “I don’t see why people hold an opposing viewpoint on my issue.” Instead of just scratching your head, scratch the itch and ask them. What you learn won’t only satisfy your curiosity: it will make you a better advocate—which will come in handy in the upcoming legislative session. Thanks for your commitment to justice, and for being part of the Texas Impact network!
Love, |
