Opposing viewpoints

Why is it worth listening to people you disagree with: Ted talk by Zachary R Wood

Wood begins his talk mentioning a racially controversial book " The Bell Curve", citing how the authors reported that some race is of lesser intelligence and is destined for poor outcomes in life. He talks about how he interviews people who have controversial viewpoints, for better understanding of  their mindset, to find a common ground.

He faces opposition and hatred for doing so. But Wood is very clear regarding the significance of such engagements.

It is quite obvious that he has insightful understanding of thought process and hesitation among people who oppose to such practices. He acknowledges that some people might have bad memories or terrible experience and would opt to completely avoid anything that would remind them of bitter past. But he adds that tuning out opposing viewpoints doesn't make them go away. Additionally, there might be several others who agree to opposed ideas. Wood talks about how 'Affirmative action' though beneficial for some needy people is a very controversial topic.

He emphasizes the importance of " Journey of uncomfortable learning" in shaping his life. Also, he talks about how important it is to learn from the other side, a lesson that his mother had taught him in his early adolescence.

I personally rarely engage myself in conversation with people I disagree with. There are several things I'm not so comfortable talking about and usually my strategy is to avoid such situations or stay quiet; suffer. At times, I don't even feel like I'm suffering because I embrace such experience as normal or usual and don't feel any urge to address.

"We get stronger, not weaker, by engaging with ideas and people we disagree with", says Zachary R Wood. In this important talk about finding common ground, Wood makes the case that we can build empathy and gain understanding by engaging tactfully and thoughtfully with controversial ideas and unfamiliar perspectives. Tuning out opposing viewpoints doesn't make them go away. Wood says, " To achieve progress in the face of adversity, we need a genuine commitment to gaining a deeper understanding of humanity".

The intention of this talk is to emphasize the importance of listening to people /ideas you disagree with. Try to find common grounds. Sometimes, though viewpoints differ, primary intention and ultimate goals can be similar.