A Question to Liberals - Does open minded = one sided?

[buckeye45_73]

I see the quality of open-mindedness as being able to see the other side of an argument and discussing it in those terms, not as giving both sides of an argument equal weight. For example, I can discuss anything with anyone as long as they do not resort to dogmatic statements such as "the bible says no" or claim moral or intellectual superiority on the basis of unquestioning acceptance of someone else's philosophy or belief system. If someone cannot explain their beliefs in rational terms or tolerate another questioning those beliefs rationally then they may rightly be called closed minded.

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

Not when it is used as an answer to a fair question, I have no problem with religion but such answers are nothing more than slamming the door on uncomfortable concepts and questions. If someone has never questioned their belief system any further than to think anyone would be satisfied with such cop-outs as that then are they not close-minded? It does not even have to be religious based, check out some of the statements made concerning taxes or the economy for a good example of thoughtless free market dogma that plagues any discussion on the subject.

Actually you have projected and really described liberalism to a tea.....GOOD JOB!

 

[Political Junky]

Hi

I'd like to preface this post by saying that I'm new to the site. Am just getting the hang of it and so far it's pretty fun. About my politics: I am a registered Independent and am pretty "middle ground" on issues. Meaning I'm not liberal OR conservative. You can kind of mix and match with me. I think, with that being said, I have a pretty objective POV, if you want to call it that.

Now for the question: This is directed at those who side more with the political left. I apologize in advance if I accidentally offend anyone in any way (please remember that was never my intention). Just feel like I need to say that because political talk always seems to offend one person or the other. Just know that I'm not (intentionally) trying to annoy anyone.

So, lefties...When you ask conservative types to be more "open minded" about things in general, are you asking them to conform to your views? (Left views?) Or something else? What I'm asking you is...do you find the term "open minded" a one-sided deal? Say a righty asks you to be more "open minded" based on their conservative views. To you, does the term "open minded" still apply?

Example: Liberal person supports gay marriage. Conservative person does not. Liberal person thinks conservative is a "close-minded bigot." Now switch the circumstances. Conservative person supports pro-life. Liberal person supports pro-choice. Conservative thinks Liberal is a "close-minded hypocrite."

Do you see what I'm saying? As a liberal-minded, free-thinking person...does the term "open minded" apply to ONLY liberal views in your eyes? Or can it also apply to conservative views in a situation? Why or why not? Again, I am only (genuinely and politely) curious.

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt » The Right Scoop - video

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt

 

[VeganMe]

I see the quality of open-mindedness as being able to see the other side of an argument and discussing it in those terms, not as giving both sides of an argument equal weight. For example, I can discuss anything with anyone as long as they do not resort to dogmatic statements such as "the bible says no" or claim moral or intellectual superiority on the basis of unquestioning acceptance of someone else's philosophy or belief system. If someone cannot explain their beliefs in rational terms or tolerate another questioning those beliefs rationally then they may rightly be called closed minded.

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

Not when it is used as an answer to a fair question, I have no problem with religion but such answers are nothing more than slamming the door on uncomfortable concepts and questions. If someone has never questioned their belief system any further than to think anyone would be satisfied with such cop-outs as that then are they not close-minded? It does not even have to be religious based, check out some of the statements made concerning taxes or the economy for a good example of thoughtless free market dogma that plagues any discussion on the subject.

I don't think a person has to question their beliefs to be considered open-minded, if that particular belief is so ingrained into who they are and what they stand for. To me, that's being true to oneself and not letting the opinions of others' influence their choices. Which I can admire. I guess it's all how you look at things.

 

[Black_Label]

Hi

I'd like to preface this post by saying that I'm new to the site. Am just getting the hang of it and so far it's pretty fun. About my politics: I am a registered Independent and am pretty "middle ground" on issues. Meaning I'm not liberal OR conservative. You can kind of mix and match with me. I think, with that being said, I have a pretty objective POV, if you want to call it that.

Now for the question: This is directed at those who side more with the political left. I apologize in advance if I accidentally offend anyone in any way (please remember that was never my intention). Just feel like I need to say that because political talk always seems to offend one person or the other. Just know that I'm not (intentionally) trying to annoy anyone.

So, lefties...When you ask conservative types to be more "open minded" about things in general, are you asking them to conform to your views? (Left views?) Or something else? What I'm asking you is...do you find the term "open minded" a one-sided deal? Say a righty asks you to be more "open minded" based on their conservative views. To you, does the term "open minded" still apply?

Example: Liberal person supports gay marriage. Conservative person does not. Liberal person thinks conservative is a "close-minded bigot." Now switch the circumstances. Conservative person supports pro-life. Liberal person supports pro-choice. Conservative thinks Liberal is a "close-minded hypocrite."

Do you see what I'm saying? As a liberal-minded, free-thinking person...does the term "open minded" apply to ONLY liberal views in your eyes? Or can it also apply to conservative views in a situation? Why or why not? Again, I am only (genuinely and politely) curious.

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt » The Right Scoop - video

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt

Mourdock is correct, but rational thought is blasphemy with today's radical right. Because of that, Mourdock lost his primary to a radical right wing teabagger, not to mention Snowe retiring because she's sick of the mockery the GOP has become.

 

[Steelplate]

Hi

I'd like to preface this post by saying that I'm new to the site. Am just getting the hang of it and so far it's pretty fun. About my politics: I am a registered Independent and am pretty "middle ground" on issues. Meaning I'm not liberal OR conservative. You can kind of mix and match with me. I think, with that being said, I have a pretty objective POV, if you want to call it that.

Now for the question: This is directed at those who side more with the political left. I apologize in advance if I accidentally offend anyone in any way (please remember that was never my intention). Just feel like I need to say that because political talk always seems to offend one person or the other. Just know that I'm not (intentionally) trying to annoy anyone.

So, lefties...When you ask conservative types to be more "open minded" about things in general, are you asking them to conform to your views? (Left views?) Or something else? What I'm asking you is...do you find the term "open minded" a one-sided deal? Say a righty asks you to be more "open minded" based on their conservative views. To you, does the term "open minded" still apply?

Example: Liberal person supports gay marriage. Conservative person does not. Liberal person thinks conservative is a "close-minded bigot." Now switch the circumstances. Conservative person supports pro-life. Liberal person supports pro-choice. Conservative thinks Liberal is a "close-minded hypocrite."

Do you see what I'm saying? As a liberal-minded, free-thinking person...does the term "open minded" apply to ONLY liberal views in your eyes? Or can it also apply to conservative views in a situation? Why or why not? Again, I am only (genuinely and politely) curious.

hey, welcome to the board! Don't be surprised if you are called a Communist at some point if you do have some issues you side with the left on.

Let me address your point(and it is a good one) by using the gay marriage issue that you brought up.

IMO, gays work...pay taxes...have and still do serve in the military protecting our country, and generally contribute to society in the same manner that any other citizen does.... correct?

Why should they be denied the right of having the same legally binding relationship that a heterosexual does? I am ALL for Civil Unions. As a Christian, I have issues with religious ceremonies...However, I have come to the conclusion that since the Constitution forbids any kind of National Religion that we all have to kneel down to.....It should be left up to the individual Churches(or their charters) to decide whether they will recognize the union and perform the ceremony.

To me, that's a logical and reasonable compromise.

I understand your POV. But the world is a big place filled with many viewpoints. If someone disagrees with your POV, that does not make them "close-minded" at least IMO. I think everyone has a right to their beliefs, regardless whether or not other people agree with them.

Agree or disagree?

Oh...absolutely...I agree with you. However, if one just wants an ideological battle with no solutions, then stick to your guns and never give in on anything. But, if you really want to get past that...then Compromise has to happen.

 

[buckeye45_73]

Hi

I'd like to preface this post by saying that I'm new to the site. Am just getting the hang of it and so far it's pretty fun. About my politics: I am a registered Independent and am pretty "middle ground" on issues. Meaning I'm not liberal OR conservative. You can kind of mix and match with me. I think, with that being said, I have a pretty objective POV, if you want to call it that.

Now for the question: This is directed at those who side more with the political left. I apologize in advance if I accidentally offend anyone in any way (please remember that was never my intention). Just feel like I need to say that because political talk always seems to offend one person or the other. Just know that I'm not (intentionally) trying to annoy anyone.

So, lefties...When you ask conservative types to be more "open minded" about things in general, are you asking them to conform to your views? (Left views?) Or something else? What I'm asking you is...do you find the term "open minded" a one-sided deal? Say a righty asks you to be more "open minded" based on their conservative views. To you, does the term "open minded" still apply?

Example: Liberal person supports gay marriage. Conservative person does not. Liberal person thinks conservative is a "close-minded bigot." Now switch the circumstances. Conservative person supports pro-life. Liberal person supports pro-choice. Conservative thinks Liberal is a "close-minded hypocrite."

Do you see what I'm saying? As a liberal-minded, free-thinking person...does the term "open minded" apply to ONLY liberal views in your eyes? Or can it also apply to conservative views in a situation? Why or why not? Again, I am only (genuinely and politely) curious.

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt » The Right Scoop - video

Mourdock to CNN: Bipartisanship should be Democrats joining Republicans to roll back size of govt

I think it's only fair since the Republicans helped the Democrats grow government, now it's your turn to compromise

 

[Sunni Man]

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

You are getting a small taste of the liberal mindset.

Which is; "we can only discuss things according to our terms and conditions".

 

[bobcollum]

Personally I think being close-minded involves refusing to break from societal norms or what's viewed as traditional.

In modern US political discourse it's become a rather subjective term, but what hasn't?

 

[Black_Label]

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

You are getting a small taste of the liberal mindset.

Which is; "we can only discuss things according to our terms and conditions".

Why don't you try engaging in the conversation instead of making stupid one liners with "See see! The left are stupid!" crap.

 

[Steelplate]

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

You are getting a small taste of the liberal mindset.

Which is; "we can only discuss things according to our terms and conditions".

as opposed to the Conservative mindset where any kind of discussion on wages, benefits, or infrastructure investment is met with cries of Communism and America haters?

yeah....ok...

 

[occupied]

That's a fair statement. But, to me, saying "I can discuss anything as long as nobody makes statements like "the Bible says so" sounds like (conversation-based) religious discrimination.

I'm not saying it's right or wrong. But isn't it a bit unfair to look down on the religious beliefs of others?

Not when it is used as an answer to a fair question, I have no problem with religion but such answers are nothing more than slamming the door on uncomfortable concepts and questions. If someone has never questioned their belief system any further than to think anyone would be satisfied with such cop-outs as that then are they not close-minded? It does not even have to be religious based, check out some of the statements made concerning taxes or the economy for a good example of thoughtless free market dogma that plagues any discussion on the subject.

I don't think a person has to question their beliefs to be considered open-minded, if that particular belief is so ingrained into who they are and what they stand for. To me, that's being true to oneself and not letting the opinions of others' influence their choices. Which I can admire. I guess it's all how you look at things.

I consider rigorous self-examination to be crucial to being open-minded as a truly open-minded person will instantly abandon concepts that have been adequately proven to be in error. No one can claim to not have prejudices and misconceptions that stubbornly hang on in spite of the cold light of reason but some barely even make the effort to rid themselves of such crippling blindspots.

 

[VeganMe]

Personally I think being close-minded involves refusing to break from societal norms or what's viewed as traditional.

In modern US political discourse it's become a rather subjective term, but what hasn't?

This is an interesting answer. If "being close-minded involves refusing to break from societal norms or what's viewed as traditional" then I don't think close-minded is a bad thing -(when described in those specific terms).

Because being traditional is not a bad thing. It's nice. If a person wants to be less traditional, good for them and if a person wants to stay traditional, I say good for them too. (The world is roomy enough that we don't need a "one or the other" mindset. IMO.

 

[bobcollum]

Truly close-minded is when a person refuses to accept another argument despite glaring evidence to supporting it.

We've got a number of those here.

 

[hortysir]

When you're too open-minded your brains fall out

 

[Borillar]

Translation: Liberals are right about everything; and anyone who disagrees with us is a closed minded bigot.

Translation: It would be great if being a real conservative made a comeback, instead of the fox news/beck ultra right wing mockery the GOP has become.

I tend to agree. Real conservatives ran Congress under Clinton and the nation did great.

Reagan was a "real conservative" and he had a Democratic Congress - during his 2nd term at least - nation did great.

When sane conservatives control one branch and Democrats the other - the nation does well. Fact.

Truth. Problem is finding sane politicians these days.

 

[Borillar]

When you're too open-minded your brains fall out

When you're too close minded, nothing gets in.