How to Get Them to Listen?

[Ladyhawk]

Awhile back, I decided I couldn't stand watching the news anymore. I'm quite sure that the Bush Administration is the worst thing that has befallen America since the Civil War. My family and friends won't listen. Period. When I tried to talk to my mother about it this morning, she told me the subject was closed.

I learned through her that Hussein's sons had been captured and obliterated.

I said, "Now if we could only do the same to the Bush Administration."

She didn't find that funny at all. She (and most of the people in this county) are religious right-wingers.

"Mom, Bush is a liar and a murderer. He should be on trial right now."

"Well, there was some stuff that came out today that proved he didn't lie."

"Where did you hear that? Fox News?"

She seemed honestly perplexed. "What's wrong with Fox News? It's the most accurate newscast there is."

Oh my god. :( How do you deal with such ignorance? When I tried to tell her that Fox News was the equivalent of Pravda during the Cold War she interrupted me and refused to listen to more.

I doubt there's any reasoning with her or any of the other religious reichers.

Is there a good site that lists the many lies and misdirections of Fox News? Even if it could be proven to her beyond a shadow of a doubt, I don't think she would change her sickening right-wing views. :(

[el_gato]

1. she probably won't

until something happens to make her realize what is going on.

I find this phenomena quite common.
I'll challenge a wingnut to a debate and they simply don't want
to discuss it.

[madmax]

2. Will she read a book?

How about Blinded by The Right, or What Liberal Media? If either are too long you might suggest Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace or The Rise and Fall of the American Empire both by Gore Vidal.

Or check out some articles from Nation magazine, start small.

[SoCalDem]

3. Just smile and remind her that she will "get hers"

Anyone in the US who earns less than 100,000 has a big ole target right on their foreheads, and the repukes have them in their sights..

You will never be able "convince" people...they will have to learn it on their own, sad to say...

You would probably have a better chance of talking someone iinto switching to Presbyterian faith instead of Judaism or Catholicism..

Republicanism has become a cult..and until they are deprogrammed by circumstance they will be resistant to any common sense..

They get their 9 hour brainwashing session daily, compliments of Hannity/Rush/Dennis Prager/LarryElder/BillOreilly/NeilBoortz..and then they have Faux to reinforce what they have "learned"..

I once had a lady tell me that she believed "whatever it was we were talking about" because she read it in the paper..

The paper...."The Enquirer"..

Ignorance abounds...Republicanism confounds:(

[HFishbine]

4. Stick to information

and avoid hyperbole. Equating your desire for a new president with the extermination of Uday and Qusay could only serve to raise her ire. It does not provide her with information that can change her mind. The same thing with the Pravda reference. It lacks any substance.

I'd suggest you simply print reliable, rhetoric free information, and leave it for her to read. Don't ask to discuss it. At some point she may want to, but be willing to let the information speak for itself.

You'll find plenty of sources here on DU for such reports. Remember, the truth is on our side. Avoid your personal commentary and sources that include partisan rhetoric. Show her some of the positive things the Dem candidates are saying, but give her room to think for herself. All this may still not be enough to change her mind, but it's the only shot you have. Arguing, belittling, and mocking her current position will never work. Give her the facts and let them speak for themselves.

[Ladyhawk]

5. Understood

Yeah, I get carried away with rhetoric. It's just that I am so very angry.

And you are right. It's impossible to convince someone. They have to learn it on their own. I actually voted for Bush (I didn't really like either candidate), but after the dust of 9-11 had settled, it became obvious to me that something was terribly wrong.

As a youngster I was a rabid Republican like my family. As I grew older I became disenchanted both with their religion and their politics. It's only during the last year that I've become very alarmed at what the Republicans are doing. As a disabled person, I'll be one of the first victims. I suspect it's happening even now, as I'm finding it difficult to gain access to quality health care.

[sirshack]

6. "How do you deal with such ignorance?"

Stop labeling them as ignorant. They'll be more likely to listen. Draw more flies with honey than with vinegar, you know....

[Lars39]

7. Hi Ladyhawk!!!!!

Long time no see!!! :hi: I don't think you'll ever convince your mom.
It's very frustrating to deal with the fundy political animal who feels that they are well-informed. I've got quite a few around me still sticking their heads in the sand. I don't know what it would take to convince them otherwise, short of an on-air takeover at Fox, resulting in arrests for treason. Well, I can dream, can't I? :)
Take care,
Lars39

[whoYaCallinAlib]

8. Almost everyone at work watches Fox. I don't get it.

They explain that Fox gives "both sides" of the issue. I tell them that's bullshit. If Fox gave them "both sides", Fox would be calling Bush a liar like 50% of the country.