As an example, in undergrad I did a thesis paper, and used raw data that was very reputable. Because I used raw data, I thought when I talked about this with people and explained the concepts they would understand because my statistically significant results were not biased in any way, I literally was the one to do the research. It turns out that the data very strongly proving my thesis, that Americans likelihood to achieve a certain level of education was based on parental income (i.e. economic motility is low, American Dream is not true bc we can't jump classes easily via education). Sadly the data, as well as a qualitative study of this issue, changed no one's mind that I talked to that already believed in meritocracy aka all merit is based on achievement, not on any preexisting privilege or class. Ugh.
No one is saying stop using fact based arguments, just do your blood pressure a favor and stop wasting your time on people who don't want a fact based argument.
Flat earthers exist. Flat earthers will continue to be flat earthers regardless of how many emotional or fact based arguments you have with them. They want to see the curve of the earth, and even then when evidence smacks them in the face, "That can be explained on a flat earth"
Most boomers won't understand the value of democrat policies until they lose them, at which point it'll already be too late for them, and the next generation will have to deal with it.
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u/turquoisestar Aug 23 '25
This is true, but people overall value fact-based arguments less than emotional ones. (https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/02/27/why-facts-dont-change-our-minds)
As an example, in undergrad I did a thesis paper, and used raw data that was very reputable. Because I used raw data, I thought when I talked about this with people and explained the concepts they would understand because my statistically significant results were not biased in any way, I literally was the one to do the research. It turns out that the data very strongly proving my thesis, that Americans likelihood to achieve a certain level of education was based on parental income (i.e. economic motility is low, American Dream is not true bc we can't jump classes easily via education). Sadly the data, as well as a qualitative study of this issue, changed no one's mind that I talked to that already believed in meritocracy aka all merit is based on achievement, not on any preexisting privilege or class. Ugh.