What's the best way to open up close minded people's eyes?

Question

I want to expand some of my peer's horizons so that they're not so close minded to everything around them.

Answer 1

By using the least amount of force with them as possible so as to instill in them the feeling that they themselves have arrived at their new-found insights on their own as opposed to them thinking that they've changed their way of thinking because of their "arms being twisted" so-to-speak. Gently present your case, and then give then time to think things over for themselves and hopefully they'll gradually become more open-minded. I find most Christian people very narrow-minded, but have given up trying to convince certain of my girlfriends' family that they aren't better than others (they arrogantly look down on a lot of people). You may have to choose friends who are not so narcissistic as to believe that they know everything, are better than everyone else, and think they have everyone else properly catagorized ("pigionholed") and stereotype people with their prejudiced views.

Answer 2

Personal contact with the unfamiliar is probably what causes most change of attitude (example: prejudice against other races, religions, sexual orientations, cultures). It seems a tad self-righteous to decide it's your job to 'expand someone else's horizons'....

Answer 3

Lack of knowledge is usually what causes people to be prejudiced and closed minded toward things. Education helps to ease the fear of the unknown. The more information one has of something the less fear they will have and it will allow them to make a better, more informed decision on whether they like something or not.

Answer 4

You can give them choices, and expose them to new things but their openness or lack thereof is really their own choice.

Answer 5

Teach them by example.

Answer 6

Ask them questions about themselves which are not pre-meditated, but ones that you think of, in the moment, while you're with them...

Answer 7

Let them learn the hardway for themselves, or just ignore their views.

Answer 8

By example.

Answer 9

Talk to them?

Answer 10

Expose them to the real world ......... let them know tht they are not living in reality... talk to them ... help them out...........