Reply #22: I think we're on the same wavelength... [View All]

[pat_k]

The greatest problem that we liberals seem to have IMO is that we tend to believe that reason is the all-powerful elixir that will eventually prevail, if given the chance.

An enormous problem. Most people who identify as progressive or liberal firmly believe that if they could just educate people -- provide enough of them with enough information -- it would set them straight. I believe this view leads to a whole lot of ineffective action and fails to comport with reality. In short, lots of action is being dictated by an unexamined and dysfunctional belief.

The "belief-people/knowledge-people" (bp/kp) lens directly undercuts that dysfunctional belief and the associated ineffective action. Keeping it simple is critical. The changes suggested in the Franken-Luther example were dictated by a very simplistic view of what was going on. Simplicity has power.

The whole bp/kp discussion presumes a context in which there are opposing views held by two different groups. The bp/kp model is intended to help knowledge people on the knowledge-based side deal more effectively with belief people in the other camp. The bp/kp model helps guide certain types of communication decisions, but does not help much in formulating the effective talking points one should have in their arsenal. It is not intended to be used for that purpose.

I think we are on the same wavelength. There is more to it for you because you are considering a broader scope. Defining goals and developing strategic communications to support those goals are complex processes that are not unique to politics. There are various models of human motivation that can be productively applied as we develop persuasive and engaging communication. For example, needs are powerful drivers of action and belief (need for safety, autonomy, connection, efficacy, contribution, respect, affection) and must be taken into account in all communications. If you are interested in a sampling of my thoughts on the subject see Framing 145 or Framing #320.

A key point to keep in mind is that we don’t need to worry so much about whether or not our messages will persuade "them" (i.e., misguided belief people). They are not our primary targets. We are way, way, too hung up on what they will say, how they will response, or whether or not we will get through to them. It is immobilizing us and undermining our ability to accomplish the things that 80% of the folks in this nation are in agreement on.

(BTW. Since knowledge people are unlikely to adopt beliefs that do not comport with reality, it can often appear that everyone in the opposition is a belief person. Just because so many people in the opposition are belief people, don’t make the mistake of equating belief people with the opposition. It is important to remember that belief people are distributed across the spectrum. Sure, they are capable of adopting deeply flawed beliefs, but they are just as capable of adopting reality-based beliefs. They just do so in a “belief-based” way.)