“Just the facts” is not enough to convince people, even if every “rational” person you know believes them. Between confirmation bias and tribal communities, facts attacking a worldview can be as scary as weapons waved in the face – especially if the person sharing the facts is screaming them. Historically, isolating from the tribe with a new idea could mean death from the elements and world, so preference is given to close community over being able to say “I told you so.”
While the below video isn’t a scientific study, I found it a useful reminder that not everyone thinks like me.
Autism spectrum means my ties to community are really, really loose. I know I need a tribe, but, unlike most, it is a “fact” in my head not an emotionally deep understanding – so other facts can offset it. I vote against a group; I can stand and be that single voice. I think that is why autism variations have been perpetuated genetically, the ability to move against the tribe has saved the tribe enough that the universe marked it as a “good” mutation. Which, when all the spears are pointed at you because you spoke up, doesn’t mean as much for the individual. I got a lot of pinholes over the years and cried a river of tears.
The hint at the end is very useful: make sure when trying to change a person’s worldview, to first present a “we share a tribe” position first.
Remember this as we enter another COVID-Flu season. Remember this as we enter another Presidential election season in the United States. Remember this for the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Remember this for the Hamas-Israel government actions.
Remember we are all one tribe. One planet. One humanity.