Experts in psychology say that it is virtually impossible to
change someone’s mind with an argument. Researchers have proven, over and over
again, that misinformed people do not change their minds even when presented
with the correct, proven facts. In fact they become more strongly set in their
beliefs. Sometimes the things we think we know are objectively false but in the
presence of correct information, we do not change our mind. We just become more
entrenched in our original belief. It is threatening to admit we were wrong. We
have beliefs and a “set of facts” embedded in our mind and by golly we are not
going to change our minds!
That being the case, why do politicians spend billions of
dollars on advertising to change our minds? It is a huge waste of money. It
would be better to force politicians to pay this money into a national fund
that is used to teach our citizens how to think. We would be much better off if
we had more citizens who knew how to develop the ability to think. Too many
people have unjustified intolerances, hidden fears, and implicit
contradictions, all thrown together into a jumble of mixed up philosophy.
Education can help people to ask the important questions such as, “what is
right and what is wrong?” We need more citizens who know how to become well
informed!
The Tsar believes that, if the advertising didn't work, then they wouldn't do it. The Tsar thinks that what they are doing is more than just trying to convince the other person's supporters. They are trying first of all to keep their supporters convinced. Second they are trying to help the undecideds to give them money and votes (in that order. The proof of this is that 99% of the ads are negatives tearing down the other guy. They know that most voters think both candidates are stinkers, so they get you to try to hold your nose and vote for them because the other guys stinks worse.
ReplyDeleteBesides, the Tsar believes that there are no objective rights or wrong, all being in the minds of the beholder.
TsarPat
Dear Tsar,
DeleteI hate to admit it, but your assessment is exactly correct. It may be the first time that you have been 100% right. The advertisements are meant to reassure the believers and convince the undecided. And that is why they spend the big bucks. However, the ones who have already made up their minds are not going to change. My point was that only the Republicans know how to think. The Democrats need to learn how to think. And, only I know what is right. Everyone else is wrong! :)