Politics is my life and career. One of the ways I am trying to circumvent irrational behavior in others with regard to politics is not to disclose one’s political affiliation ever or be very ambiguous about it, and learn to speak the language and seemingly share the concerns and beliefs of my conversant. Then, ask subtly leading questions about the consistency and empirical validity of those beliefs.
Yes, it’s not the most honest thing to do, but I believe this disarms the irrational, tribal psychology at work and enables a more fruitful discussion. “The slow blade penetrates the shield” and all that.
Politics is my life and career. One of the ways I am trying to circumvent irrational behavior in others with regard to politics is not to disclose one’s political affiliation ever or be very ambiguous about it, and learn to speak the language and seemingly share the concerns and beliefs of my conversant. Then, ask subtly leading questions about the consistency and empirical validity of those beliefs.
Yes, it’s not the most honest thing to do, but I believe this disarms the irrational, tribal psychology at work and enables a more fruitful discussion. “The slow blade penetrates the shield” and all that.