I keep a couple of bigoted friends because I like to have a wide
variety of opinions "on tap" for any issue I bring up.
It's usually safer to ignore their opinions or hide them if they
bother you.*
I learn a lot about myself when I engage with people whose
opinions VASTLY differ than mine but I try not to keep _too
many_ around.*
I like learning what makes me knee-jerk as it helps me question
my own stance on things.
The hardest challenge for me was a year in Philosophy groups.
The certain type of rhetoric and a/b logic was anathama to me
for SO MANY YEARS and I would avoid it at all costs.
But after a year with them, I understand their way of thinking
much better and can engage in conversations with them, once
getting past the usually 20 questions logic games. It's true. I
had to look up SIWOTI btw*tongue emoticon*
I've been online since 1989, so there's really no conversation
or personality I haven't encountered but I engage better with
some than others.
My personal goal is to have the ability to talk with anybody
about anything, and turn an unreasonable conversation or debate
into an opportunity for finding consensus.
It's a quirk of mine though. I'm 43 yrs old now. When I was 18
at a hippie college (Hampshire College), I was a pain then too.
I'd say, "How can you call yourself "tolerant" if intolerant of
intolerant people? Aren't you just seeking your own kind like
they are?"
and stuff like that. Lost some friends. Gained a few others.
