How to Avoid Defensiveness About Politics

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Realize that people of an opposite or almost opposite view will naturally "understand" things quite differently from your own interpretations of issues and events.

   Philosophies are, by their very nature, quite possibly not based on verifiable reality.
   
   Trying to change people to your worldview regarding a given issue (especially the hard cases of activated opposition) may be a hopeless cause and not worth the time and energy.
   
   Educating a biased and entrenched opponent is near impossible.
   
   People can be very stubborn in holding on to long-held ideas.
   
   Johnathan Swift once stated: "You cannot reason a person out of a position he did not reason himself into in the first place."
   
   "The ad hominem is a fool's last resort."
   - a common maxim.
   
   Avoid at all costs cursing, cussing, and disparaging.
   
   Defensive, adj
   - 1: of strategy or tactic serving to defend or protect <"as to protect the ego is a common defensive reaction" — Psychology Today > 2: devoted to resisting or preventing aggression or attack <"exhibiting defensive behavior"> de·fen·sive·ly Function: adv de·fen·sive·ness Function: n , Try to ignore minor tangents that aren't crucial to the matter at hand. ,, That is, try to speak to the truths underlying your position.
   
   But remember, there are relevant angles to, on, and from a given issue which you might not have encountered or thought about before, so it pays to be a good listener to reasonable inputs. , They might have views that are diametrically opposed to your own.
   
   Avoid challenging them or being overly solicitous, i.e.: seeking approval or giving in. ,,,, Life is too short to spend too much time scowling with irritation.
   
   When events are past then say, "That was then; this is now!" which means "Been there; done that!". , As Mark Twain said: "A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read."
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   Step 2: Avoid harsh language and insults

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   Step 3: or rude implications - instead base what is said on the facts -- not on defending philosophies and shades of meaning.

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   Step 4: Be proactive in advancing your own cause without calling names.

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   Step 5: Defend important principles if an argument or misunderstanding is based on criticism of your ideals and deeply held beliefs

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   Step 6: but otherwise it is optional.

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   Step 7: Smile and chuckle to yourself at any and all uncouth

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   Step 8: shallow

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   Step 9: or disparaging words (ridiculous remarks) in messages

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    Step 10: responses on your blog

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    Step 11: or other such media.

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    Step 12: Be courteous

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    Step 13: but courageous

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    Step 14: when discussing your political issues.

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    Step 15: Avoid measuring your success by

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    Step 16: or relying upon the opinions of people with

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    Step 17: opposite ideals as a gauge of your skills in communicating

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    Step 18: selling

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    Step 19: or otherwise persuading.

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    Step 20: Accept the person as a fellow human being -- but not the erroneously held principles (main points) of one who simply refuses to accept your logic or believe that what you say is accurate and factual.

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    Step 21: Ignore mockery in a public place as you walk along or whatever

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    Step 22: and don't respond seriously to hollering or shouting of insults from people who obviously think about the world or a given issue differently.

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    Step 23: Realize that other people have a right to see opposing views unsympathetically

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    Step 24: but appraise your own ideals and opinions as true and honest so that you avoid letting others bother you very much.

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    Step 25: Get over and above any possible irritation related to your views of events to prevent anger

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    Step 26: a sour mood

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    Step 27: or even fury.

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    Step 28: Forgive the hopeless people

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    Step 29: and forget their insults.

Detailed Guide

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