Winsome Conversations in Divisive TimesSample

How We View Others

One of the most complex truths of communication is our perception of people and events determines our reality. Once created, our perception is extremely difficult to change. Our perception is deeply influenced by stereotypes, which are predictive judgments we make of an entire group. 

While stereotypes are not inherently false, in today’s argument culture they often cast people or entire groups in a negative light. Stereotypes can be fostered by meeting a person from a particular group and then expecting all people from that group to have the same convictions or beliefs. Or, stereotypes can be developed by what we read about a group or glean from the internet. 

Take this simple test. What is the first word that comes to mind when reading the following?

Trump supporters

Black Lives Matter

Democrat

Feminist

Critical race theory

Republican

Planned Parenthood

Evangelical

Anti-mask advocate

Biden supporters

Were you surprised by how quickly a word came to mind? If so, what prompted your impression? The Scriptures seem to advocate a stance of listening, where a person gets to define who they are and what they believe.