If we can get good enough models of however the scissors-statements actually work, we might be able to help more people be more in touch with the common humanity of both halves of the country, and more able to heal blind spots.
E.g., if the above model is right, maybe we could tell at least some people “try exploring the hypothesis that Y-voters are not so much in favor of Y, as against X—and that you’re right about the problems with Y, but they might be able to see something that you and almost everyone you talk to is systematically blinded to about X.”
We can build a useful genre-savviness about common/destructive meme patterns and how to counter them, maybe. LessWrong is sort of well-positioned to be a leader there: we have analytic strength, and aren’t too politically mindkilled.
If we can get good enough models of however the scissors-statements actually work, we might be able to help more people be more in touch with the common humanity of both halves of the country, and more able to heal blind spots.
E.g., if the above model is right, maybe we could tell at least some people “try exploring the hypothesis that Y-voters are not so much in favor of Y, as against X—and that you’re right about the problems with Y, but they might be able to see something that you and almost everyone you talk to is systematically blinded to about X.”
We can build a useful genre-savviness about common/destructive meme patterns and how to counter them, maybe. LessWrong is sort of well-positioned to be a leader there: we have analytic strength, and aren’t too politically mindkilled.