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UNCOMFORTABLE THOUGHTS

As we try to understand the conflict facing us in the United States, a term from behavioral science has become more common. It is an awkward term: “cognitive dissonance.”

It sounds academic and stuffy. But the meaning is important.

In music, “dissonance” is a grating, off-pitch sound that does not fit with the other sounds. It breaks the flow of the music you want to enjoy. In everyday life, “cognitive dissonance” is the uncomfortable feeling you get when a new fact does not match what you already believe.

We all confront uncomfortable thoughts. We often ignore them because we don’t want to face information that might change our view of the world. Acknowledging new facts can be hard, and painful.

For example, a person may ignore signs that their partner has been unfaithful. Even if they see or hear something that may prove it, they ignore the evidence because it hurts to give up what they believed. Another example is a man who meets a woman on the internet. He sends her all his money because he believes she truly loves him. The cognitive dissonance he feels when family and friends warn him may cause him to get angry and stop talking to them.

Cognitive dissonance also happens in science. George Washington died because his physicians treated his throat infection by removing blood (bloodletting). When it didn’t work, they concluded that they weren’t removing enough. He died after they’d removed over 2 quarts of blood. They couldn’t acknowledge that their “facts” about treatment were wrong and were actually killing their patient.

Today, we are faced with opposing political facts and beliefs. Kellyanne Conway, senior counselor to President Trump in his first term, coined the term “alternative facts” for facts and beliefs that were not supported by evidence. For some of us, giving up old beliefs would mean more than changing our minds. We may lose friends, family or our church community.

New ideas and facts can force us to face uncomfortable thoughts. But doing so can lead to healthy changes that help us see things in new ways.

You can be more open to new facts by acknowledging that you may be wrong. Question what you are told. Consider your leaders’ motives. Follow where the money is going and who benefits from it. Even if you don’t like what you hear, sometimes listen to people who don’t agree with you.

Growth and change are rarely comfortable.

By Ben Boardman and Friends.

Barn Owl is paid for by Ace Allen, in loving memory of his Linn County grandparents: Bessie Epps Hart (Graham) and John Talbot Graham, 

Submit comments or questions to ace.allen@me.com