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| Grayson Ford ('21) |
So far this semester, my favorite course has been POLS 390–political research. A concept discussed in a recent class has made me consider how students think about politics on college campuses today. My professor defined this concept, psychological bias, as the “tendency to think in certain ways that can lead to systematic deviations from a standard of rationality or good judgment.”
While my professor introduced this concept to highlight how individuals have faulty judgements in research, I think it is also relevant to today’s political atmosphere on campus. Students are now encouraged to talk to one another about conflicting viewpoints about the world and politics today. However, it seems today students have little or no interest in being proven wrong or having ideas challenged. Instead, it seems everyone opposed to a certain viewpoint is either a bigot or a snowflake depending on their stance.
But, why is this seemingly useless mindset employed? I would suggest that it is used to reduce cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance can be defined as the discomfort one experiences when confronted with new information that contradicts existing beliefs, ideas, and values. It seems people, and especially college students, would rather make efforts to reduce cognitive dissonance than be exposed to new ideas or have their beliefs challenged. This often comes from ignoring or denying information that contradicts one’s beliefs.
I notice it everywhere. Whether in a casual setting or a political science class, it seems students spend more time coming up with witty counter arguments than actually listening to their fellow student’s points. When did it become so terrible to be wrong about something or to think of things in a new way? What is the big deal? The big deal is that across college campuses we have the future leaders of this country. American politics are the most polarized than they have ever been, and party line voting has never been more prevalent. How can we expect things to become any better when our best and brightest would rather spend time learning how to better fight the other side than listen to them.
I am afraid at this rate, polarized issues such as the Kavanaugh confirmation will become the norm. I guess my point is, if you are a student like me, do not be afraid to have your views challenged or to challenge others’ views respectfully. Listen to your counterparts; it could change your entire outlook on an issue. Maybe it could even make you more confident in your beliefs. Being ignorant is much worse than being wrong. So instead of running to the nearest safe space or a meeting where everyone thinks like you, spend time listening and questioning someone from the other side. Take the road less traveled. For it will make all the difference.
Grayson Ford, of Cadiz, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2021. He studies political science and finance at the University of Louisville.