Hi Lux,
lux said:
How to handle with Polish people who from the beginning see America as these Good?
I mean, how to make good introduction, what make as point, in order to show that there are other aspects of America pointing to something completely different than mere propaganda proclaims. What kind of data use and how to encourage (without being too intrusive) look at the data, having to deal with such Poles?
I have hypothesis that everyone has some crack or some gate in him/her which may enable to enter new way of thinking.
However this is not only about seeing America right?
Short example:
There are some social divisions in Poland. Recently one of quite strong ones was in politics for supporters of political party PiS (Law and Justice) and PO (Civic Platform). Especially after PiS which was believed to be popular party, won in 2005, we could felt that emotional load of this is much greater then previous elections. In my work some people were ridiculing PiS others were ridiculing PO but this was aggressive type of laughter. People could not get rid of their beliefs about one another. My friend from work she was so strongly emotionally involved in this struggle on top that her talk was reflection of what is going on in Parliament. For me it was sad that a lot of people like her (I still like her because she is good woman) had fallen into some believers state and were protecting their world view as religious dogma. Frightening also.
While I was expressing skepticism for both and trying to be objective however this was treated as support for PiS so I could feel on my own skin what does it mean to be labeled and treated accordingly :).
For me question is: How to talk with religious convictions? I have some friends who are skeptical with the view of America created in our minds. One lived there for 3 years so he experienced reality and You have to be really strong believer to ignore facts. One is just open minded and enjoys seeking truth in his own way. My other friends have experienced so much suffering that they lost their religious attitude for what delivered through our media and this opened them (or so I think) for seeing facts and interpret them in their own way. Another one was not afraid of being different (in her special way) and this was also making her attitude of an outsider and then it is easier to not follow official stories and use own mind (think so).
There are probably other ways. I just imagine that completely intellectual way of starting to doubt in own abilities is for example Gorilla experiment or similar. Starting to doubt is opening the gate.
Anyway coming back to Your question lux
What kind of data use and how to encourage (without being too intrusive) look at the data
I do not know. And I think that is something related to Free Will. ??? My poor friends who believe I think shall not be forced to change. They should choose it. They should have opportunity to get truth. What kind of data it probably depends on each individual. My "white rabbit" was "Pentagon Strike" - Thank You so much for this!!!!!!!!!!!!! The one who led me there was my sister although she was not interested in this forum.
One more example: My mother is one of the greatest believers I know. Even facts are difficult to convince her. Pope, Church, Bible, Priest - are the oracles. I just can imagine what would have happend if she just allowed herself to doubt? She built whole her world around that and now she is 70. I do not claim that this is not possible but it would be extremely dangerous for her to stop to believe. I feel that she would die - she would not be anyway same person. She would have to choose it herself if she would like to acknowledge the facts and rational part of herself.
If something was/is not in line with her view she is just ignoring it or recalling what Saint or Church said about it. So the fact is not existing, or is interpreted in way that supports her view. If I told her about Julius Caesar she would not listen to what I am saying but she would say that it is so sad that I cannot believe and insulting god by my thinking, but she would pray for me and hope that I will come back to church someday.
I think it happens with a lot of people. I have also this traits. I already disgust myself for that.
When someone chooses religious path I think there is not much I can do. Maybe when I was a priest or Pope then sure :) - because from position of authority it is entry point but also not for everyone.
Religion is maybe more extreme than belief about America. Still this is kind of religious attitude.
For other who seek truth important is to make this truth available. I also do not know if I am able to do it. I was putting SOTT posters here and there and sharing some SOTT news, sharing some books, but I am not sure how it works. I am not sure if people have courage and time to look at this.
There is one Polish book "Święci w dziejach narodu polskiego" which means "Saints in history of Poland" - well, I never read it but I like the title. Example of what we do is contagious if it works.
ark said:
"How was it for You Ark to meet real America? "
Strange.
"What was Your greatest discovery about real Americans, real America?"
Mind control.
"What kind of lies You discovered You believed about that country and people?"
I do not want believe in anything. I want to know!
Well, I know I am not completely serious here, but your question are not specific enough for me to be completely serious (though I am never completely serious, even when I try to answer my own questions).
But I have learned a lot in America. Enough to be happy to be now somewhere else, to learn other things. All is lessons.
If you have some more specific questions - do not hesitate, ask.
Yes, Your humour is specific :). Thanks for treating seriously my questions :D.
I am again projecting my own prejudices and expecting to here answer which I believe You shall give...
My prejudices of Americans:
1. A lot of Americans are dumb - not knowing history, not carrying about history, about education,
2. Carrying mostly about money and having good life - businessman attitude
3. Being open and extrovert - having only superficial friendships
4. American smile - everything is OK even when it is bad
So this is my load my lies even not having friend in any American. But it is what I have - even if I know that it is not true intellectually.
Did You have the same (and will You anser only "No" ? :))