a key ingredient to successful debating is to know the quality of the person you are dealing with ... any specifics of knowledge is a secondary considerationAm I wrong to engage people in debates?
Liberalism can also be dogmaticIs me wanting to engage in open dialog about issues that most people would rather push under the rug a form of indoctrination in itself?
I trust you use the word reality in a culturally engineered sense - Its not just that other people are indoctrinated - we all are - and if we fail to examine how we are culturally established, and also fail to determine an over-arching philosophical value system that delegates and relegates all values, we run the risk of coming across as naive, conceited, abnoxious, rude, etc etc (IOW we send out the wrong signals, even if we are well-meaning)Is there a point in discussing reality with people who are indoctrinated?
I want true freedom of speech (like you almost get on the Internet),
These things can only be catalyzed by exemplary behaviour and not liberal politics.I want governments to serve their people and not the other way around. I want people to say what they want without fear of death or persecution. I want people to live with the freedoms I have.
IOW if you can lead others with a serving attitude, if you can avoid displays of petty vehemence when your ego is bruised, if you can display the appropriate level of detachment from superficial demands, etc etc .... then perhaps others might see the value in it too.
In short, the problem with extolling values is this - the higher the values, the higher the opportunity for hypocrisy . That is why you really have to have a clean house before you begin this sort of stuff.
education is futile unless it has an exampleHowever, I also realize that when discussing things like "basic human rights" vs "cultural rights".. that I may be in a way trying to indoctrinate people into my way of thinking... which kinda gives me some moral confusion.
Whats the best way to deal with these people or these kind of situations? I feel I need to speak to people and help them think differently as I am a stickler for honesty and truth. I feel education is the only weapon against indoctrination.
This won't work - as sci so nicely illustrates ... for every argument there is another oneWhile speaking to these people I dont try break their world view bubbles and (say with the Chinese), tell them that Mao was the sickest thing to happen to China. My recent method of engagement is identify the criteria that Mao is respected, and using those same criteria apply it to Hitler and Stalin and basically point out that if Mao is a "respected leader", then by same criteria.. so are Stalin and Hitler.
Rather than attacking their point of view, I try guide it into perspective.
action speaks louder than wordsI dont know if what I am doing is right or wrong, and I dont know the best way to deal with these kinda situations. What do you suggest?