Assume Less, Be Open to Different Perspectives More? Not So Fast.
This article examines why following the popular advice of "assume less and be open minded towards different perspectives" might actually do more harm than good if taken too literally by its adherents - due to factors such as practicality issues as well as power dynamics between individuals with varying levels of privilege or influence..
Dec. 24, 2022 3:41AM
Generated in 24.8 seconds
A person holding up two fingers with one hand forming an 'X' while their other hand forms an 'O'. The background consists of a bright yellow sun setting over a vast ocean horizon with white clouds scattered throughout the sky above them.
In a world where there is already so much divisiveness and polarization, the suggestion to “assume less and be open to different perspectives more” may seem like a welcome call for unity. However, upon closer examination, this advice could actually be more harmful than helpful. For starters, it can be argued that assuming less and being open to different perspectives is not always practical or feasible in many situations. For example, when dealing with an individual who has expressed racist or sexist views in the past, it would be difficult for most people to simply assume less and remain open-minded towards their perspective. Furthermore, such an approach could also lead people into dangerous situations by disregarding red flags that they should have noticed earlier on. Moreover, this advice also ignores the fact that some perspectives are simply wrong or misguided and should not be given any consideration whatsoever. While it is important to listen respectfully to opposing views and opinions in order to gain a better understanding of them, blindly accepting every single perspective without question can do more harm than good in certain cases. Finally, suggesting that people assume less and accept different perspectives more fails to take into account the power dynamics at play between individuals with varying levels of privilege or influence. It is easy for those who are privileged or powerful enough not to worry about potential consequences from speaking out against certain beliefs or ideas; however, those without such privilege may find themselves facing serious repercussions if they choose not follow this advice too closely. In conclusion then, while it may seem like sound advice on the surface level for individuals to “assume less and be open to different perspectives more” in order promote unity amongst society as a whole – upon further examination it becomes clear that this idea could potentially do more harm than good if taken too literally by its adherents.