Reason #321: Paradigm Shopping

Posted at May 24, 2010

It is so easy to get stuck in a particular line or “train” of thought. I often see that happening to me, even though in the moment that is the problem…i.e., an inability to “see” any other viewpoint except the one I am holding fast to. In those instances, I believe it is a great idea to step back and take a look at the big picture. Do a little “paradigm shopping” (or shifting), if you will. Lately I have been “stuck” on the line that the Arizona immigration law is a bad thing…and I still hold an opinion that it is. However, continuously harping on my views belittles the fact that others can have different ones. And respect for diverse views is “supposed to be” a value that I adhere to. So I think this morning is a great time to begin a little paradigm shopping spree. Getting stuck along a particular thought-line can lead to those ideas becoming hard-wired into one’s world view and once that happens we tend to insist that everyone else adopt the same mode of thinking, or else they just don’t deserve to exist. Sometimes that inability to get off that thought bandwagon can lead to some pretty absurd themes and results. Sometimes it can lead to atrocity. I certainly don’t want to go down that road. But more on a personal level, it can lead to a stagnation in one’s ability to grow and move forward, especially relationally…save for the relations one has with those who think exactly the same. The last thing this world needs is more groups or cliques that all believe in lock-step that they alone hold the coveted prize of “rightness.” So I will step off my anti-Arizona-immigration-law bandwagon and choose to adopt a paradigm of at least being open to both sides of the equation. I have done the same in the past with other issues, such as abortion. I have found through experience that being open-minded is much more contributive to enlightenment than deluding yourself into believing you already have all the answers. Try it. You may grow through the effort. Paradigm shopping (or shifting) can help one to understand better what is really going on in this crazy world of ours. Some might say this sounds a bit “wishy-washy.” However, I believe we can hold on to our opinions without using them as weapons of division and, ultimately, hatred.