I assume that negative political advertisements work –
otherwise why would they be paid for?
That is, if they didn’t work we would be rid of them by now. But do they convince or merely cement
the opinions of those already inclined to the position being advocated (if the
negative ads can be described as advocating). This kind of discourse is not going to bring about positive change.
To change someone’s opinion requires that person to make a
choice. It cannot be forced upon
them. It also requires openness to
new ideas, especially those we might not be accustomed to entertaining.
Civilization is the willingness to listen to others, trying
our best to keep our prejudices and preconceived ideas in check. That is not to say that all ideas are
equally valid, I firmly believe that truth is objective and not subjective, and
that reasonable persons can get to it.
If history has shown us anything, it is that ideas can be the most
dangerous things of all. But all ideas deserve a listen until we figure out their value.
But, the exchange of ideas without civility can have the
opposite effect. If we go beyond
the bounds of legitimate persuasion towards coercion, we may get our way for a
while, but resentment of those forced to toe the line will grow and we will
find ourselves in a worse position than before.
