Serious Question (particularly for women): Is open-mindedness of value in a Democracy...?

Question

Clearly, we each have our own convictions and our own vices (perhaps some of us don't have perfect spelling or syntax command).

Isn't the beauty of democracy that we can enter civil discourse and maintain an open-mind, irrespective of our personal convictions? We can disagree and still maintain civility at the end of the day, no?.

Moreover, doesn't civilized society have a vested-interest in preserving the beauty of differences of opinion as open-mindedness may offer rational decison-making?

I enjoy the beauty of open-mindedness with respect to all matters as it edifies me. Dogma, or blind faith, may not be such a good idea. Do you agree with this?

PS, please do not critique my spelling nor syntax, for this is rather juvenile.

Thank you.

Answer 1

I might say tolerance and diversity are accepted more readily than open-mindedness.

Answer 2

I do agree with you.

But shouldn't an open minded society also accept those who wish to criticise spelling and grammar?  :-)

Answer 3

Yes in a way I do agree with you because sharing and being open to others views helps us expand our knowledge and understanding; however, having an extremely open mind, will only lead you to being used and and abused by other people, while being too closed minded may perhaps cause unnecessary conflicts amongst family and friends.  You'll just have to find a balance that is comfortable for you I guess.  Duh!  =P

Answer 4

That's all fine and good; only be prepared to accept and to expecrt all reactions; after all it is democracy you are speaking about.

Answer 5

Like the poster above says you have to find a balance. It could be argued that in the name of being open minded we should tolerate KKK members and gangs in society. I've always believed however that society is for those who choose to be a part of it, not those who purposely try to disrupt it as much as possible.

I reckon democracy is about the right to criticise i.e. pinpoint our problems and attempt to solve them NOT to just insult when we see something we disagree with i.e. try to create more problems

Answer 6

Yes, but extremes are never a good thing either.

You have to be in the middle. Having an extremely open mind leads you to indecision, getting scammed, used and exploited by other people and society in general. However, being too close minded stunts personal growth and leads to "n**i-like" thinking and behavior patterns. It also causes unnecessary conflict.

Stay in the middle and you will always be "cool" and in control. Not to mention.... LOGICAL.

Answer 7

Our differences are necessary to help us maintain progress and structure.   Knowledge cannot be gained from the similar experiences of others, as we have already learned them from our own experiences. Sharing and being open to others views  helps us expand our scope of understanding, thus expanding our own lives and the lives of others. Listening to others points and accepting them with an open mind will give us the ability to make a broad range of decisions that benefit us as a society and in our personal lives. If we are willing to ignore the beliefs of others, we are unwilling to learn.

I am done being so very redundant now. lol

Answer 8

Yes, I think open-mindedness is valuable in a democracy for all people. Adults should certainly be able to "agree to disagree" and remain friends.

Sadly, some people never reach adulthood regardless of their age.

I think the key to open-mindedness is "RESPECT".

We are all beautifully unique and wouldn't it be a dull world if we all thought alike?

Answer 9

Having an open mind is the only way to survive in a democracy. Closed minded people are better off under military rule. But America is a democratic republic which is of a slightly different nature.