There are ways to close people’s ears to your ideas – and it seems that there are many out there who have that as a goal!
1 – Tell others what they should be thinking/saying/doing. Whenever I see anyone whose words have that ever-too-familiar “I am right and if you disagree you are wrong so you have to change your mind” I roll my eyes and move on.
2 – Swear at me. This tells me you have nothing of value to put on the table.
3 – Refuse to hear differing views. Then why should I want to hear yours? “Canceling” others tells me you can’t hold your own in a mature discussion. (This tactic is commonly employed by 3-year-old children who cover their ears and repeat “Ican’thearyouIcan’thearyouIcan’thearyou…” – I never learned much from them either.)
4 – Virtual table-pounding. Spewing venom isn’t a successful teaching tool.
5 – Repeat trite and tired phrases. Is that all you’ve got? Do you even understand the details, nuances, and fine points of the situation? I could learn nothing from you anyway in that case.
6 – Shut me down. If you don’t allow me to share my own thoughts, then I can’t compare yours with mine and analyze the differences. Time to find someone who can help me to understand.
7 – Mute/Block those who think differently from you. Then those who are thinking differently will mute/block you back. And we won’t have a problem, will we. Nor will we have a platform for open discussion and learning.
That meme is perfect for this information! Great post. Excellent points. God bless you this resurrection weekend.
Mine was nearly perfect in every way, blessings to you as we go forth from here living for the risen Lord!