Tuesday, 12 September 2023

My understanding of Political Ideologies

I am getting sick of reading about or listening to the discussions related with political discourses and narratives. Learned participants appear to be vertically divided and shouting from two opposite poles.

I tried to understand:
1. different political ideologies/ philosophies, believing that when people discuss, shout, abuse each other during such discourses are committed to one ideology,
2. why do people try to prove theirs is the right ideology and therefore others must fall in line, and
3. why is it difficult to achieve that goal, resulting into further rise in decibel, and increased use of inappropriate language.

My search led me to some knowledge.

There are many political ideologies and moral philosophies, some of the major ones from far left to far right include:

• Communism: Communism is a political and economic system that advocates for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society. Communists believe that the means of production should be owned and controlled by the community as a whole.
• Socialism: Socialism is a political and economic system that advocates for social ownership of the means of production and the distribution of wealth according to need. Socialists believe that the government should play a more active role in the economy and that the needs of the many should outweigh the needs of the few.
• Liberalism: Liberalism is based on the ideas of liberty and equality. Liberals believe that individuals should be free to pursue their own goals and interests, and that governments should play a limited role in society.
• Conservatism: Conservatism emphasizes tradition, order, and stability. Conservatives believe that change should be gradual and that institutions like the family, church, and monarchy should be preserved.
• Fascism: Fascism is a political ideology that emphasizes nationalism, authoritarianism, and militarism. Fascists believe in a strong central government that can control the economy and society.

Each ideology has multiple variations and, its own unique set of beliefs and values, and each has had a significant impact on the course of history.

These ideologies are not mutually exclusive. People can hold beliefs from different ideologies, and there is often overlap between different ideologies. For example, a person might be a liberal who also believes in some socialist policies.

The relative prominence of different ideologies vary across countries and regions. Liberalism is the dominant ideology in many Western countries, while socialism is more prominent in some Eastern countries.

The study of ideologies is a complex and fascinating field. By understanding different ideologies, we can better understand the world around us and the choices that we make.

There are many reasons why one might want to try to change others' ideological leanings. Few of the most common reasons are:

• To improve the world. If one believes that his/ her ideological leanings are better for the world than others, then one may want to try to convince others to adopt one's beliefs.
• To make the world a more tolerant and understanding place. When people have different ideological leanings, it can lead to conflict and division. By trying to change others' minds, one can help create a more tolerant and understanding society.
• To build relationships. When one shares the same ideological leanings with someone, it can create a sense of connection and understanding. By trying to change others' minds, one can build stronger relationships with them.
• To learn from others. When one engages with people who have different ideological leanings, one can learn new things and broaden one's horizons. This can help become more well-rounded and empathetic individuals.

There are also risks associated with trying to change others' ideological leanings. If one is not careful, one can come across as condescending or arrogant. One can also damage relationships with others if one is not respectful of other's beliefs.

If we do choose to engage in this type of persuasion, it is important to do so in a way that is respectful and constructive. Changing someone's ideological leanings is possible, but not easy.

There are many reasons why it is difficult to make others change their ideological leanings. A few of the most common reasons are:

• Our ideologies are shaped by our experiences and upbringing. The values and beliefs we hold dear are often formed in early years, through our interactions with families, friends, and communities. These experiences can be very powerful, and they can make it difficult to change our minds later in life.
• Our ideologies are often tied to our identity. Our beliefs about the world can be a big part of who we are. They can define our sense of self, our values, and our goals. When someone challenges our beliefs, it can feel like they are challenging our very identity. This can make it difficult to be open to change.
• We are often defensive about our beliefs. When we believe something strongly, we are naturally inclined to defend it. We may do this by dismissing opposing views, attacking the messenger, or refusing to consider new information. This defensiveness can make it difficult to have a productive conversation about our beliefs.
• We are often not exposed to different perspectives. If we only surround ourselves with people who share our beliefs, we are less likely to be exposed to different perspectives. This can make it difficult to see the flaws in our own beliefs or to consider alternative viewpoints.
• Changing our beliefs can be uncomfortable. It can be difficult to admit that we were wrong about something, especially if we have held that belief for a long time. It can also be uncomfortable to change our behavior or to challenge the status quo.

Despite these challenges, it is possible to change someone's ideological leanings. However, it is important to be patient and understanding. It is also important to focus on building relationships and trust, rather than trying to win arguments. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we can make it more likely that someone will be open to changing their mind.

Some tips which may help changing someone's ideological leanings are:

• Listen to them with an open mind. Don't just wait for your turn to talk. Really try to understand their point of view.
• Ask questions. This shows that you are interested in what they have to say and that you are willing to learn from them.
• Be respectful, even if you disagree. Name-calling and insults will only make them defensive and less likely to listen to you.
• Focus on the common ground. Look for areas where you agree, even if it's just on a small point. This will help to build rapport and trust.
• Be patient. It takes time to change someone's mind. Don't expect to see results overnight.

I will be happy to be more educated by your value additions. 

4 comments:

  1. READ YOUR ARTICLE. I REALLY LIKED THE TIPS MENTIONED AS THEY ARE VERY USEFUL IN DAILY LIFE IN COMMUNICATING WITH PEOPLE MORE EFFICIENTLY.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting to go through the reasons given by you why it is difficult to make others change their ideological leanings.
    Nice to read one by one the tips given by you which may help changing someone's ideological leanings.

    ReplyDelete
  3. One cannot be expected to have experienced myriad political philosophies unless one has lived in myriad lands. Yet, there are two essential components of any debate: (a) substance and (b) volume and the latter is always at the expense of the former. Which is why an alternative view is being discussed. open mind is an essential condition when an alternative view is being discussed

    ReplyDelete
  4. Read your article.. you have just explained Solutions available on internet...otherwise goòd..but real time example will help..not agreed to much extent

    ReplyDelete