Post by rollerk on Oct 20, 2017 16:07:04 GMT
There are several ways in which minorities can convert others to their ways of thinking. The most effective method is through intellectual reason resulting to conversion. Three main characteristics of this type of reasoning are that the movement is principled, open to dialogue and not dogmatic. Without these characteristics, conversion is much less likely. For instance, when minorities resort to appealing to one's feelings, cunning, trickery, or even terrorism. These methods are unprincipled, closed to dialogue, and are dogmatic in nature. They are not likely to lead to conversion, rather they are much more likely to lead to compliance out of fear, embarrassment, or confusion.
Why does it matter to the minority that they achieve conversion rather than compliance? Isn't all conformity created equally? The answer is no. In order for change to be permanent and effective it must be rooted in conversion to an idea or principle. Otherwise, it is likely that an individual when surrounded by a group in opposition to the minority will change their position again to conform to the majority. Only conversion can lead to lasting change. When we are converted by an idea or principle we are willing to withstand the discomfort of being a non-conformist for the time being.
An example of a minority gaining the conformity of many from the majority can be found in the issues surrounding gay marriage. North America finds it's cultural roots largely in Christianity. Traditional Christianity is vehemently opposed to homosexuality. This left homosexuals and their supporters in the minority. Through reasonable arguments, protests, and open dialogue this minority group converted a large portion of the majority and has gained ground in the area of equal rights. Ironically, in this case the majority (Christians opposing homosexuality) has becoming the minority. Perhaps Christians then ought to adopt this method themselves instead of resorting to fear-based conversion tactics ("God hates fags" therefore them and their supporters will burn in hell). Christianity's hugest flaw in my opinion is this reliance they have on appealing to the emotions of individuals to gain conversion.
Why does it matter to the minority that they achieve conversion rather than compliance? Isn't all conformity created equally? The answer is no. In order for change to be permanent and effective it must be rooted in conversion to an idea or principle. Otherwise, it is likely that an individual when surrounded by a group in opposition to the minority will change their position again to conform to the majority. Only conversion can lead to lasting change. When we are converted by an idea or principle we are willing to withstand the discomfort of being a non-conformist for the time being.
An example of a minority gaining the conformity of many from the majority can be found in the issues surrounding gay marriage. North America finds it's cultural roots largely in Christianity. Traditional Christianity is vehemently opposed to homosexuality. This left homosexuals and their supporters in the minority. Through reasonable arguments, protests, and open dialogue this minority group converted a large portion of the majority and has gained ground in the area of equal rights. Ironically, in this case the majority (Christians opposing homosexuality) has becoming the minority. Perhaps Christians then ought to adopt this method themselves instead of resorting to fear-based conversion tactics ("God hates fags" therefore them and their supporters will burn in hell). Christianity's hugest flaw in my opinion is this reliance they have on appealing to the emotions of individuals to gain conversion.