Sunday, June 5, 2011

FLIP-FLOPPING - IS IT O.K. TO CHANGE YOUR MIND?

If you never change your mind, why have one? By Edward De Bono


My husband and I were watching Piers Morgan as he interviewed Jerry Springer the other night. The jury’s still out on Piers, but both of us stood in agreement about Jerry Springer. We saw him on TV in a London airport l5 years ago, and were embarrassed by a show that displayed what seemed like the lowest common denominator of human interaction in America.


Imagine our surprise, then, as we heard an intelligent, well spoken individual discussing his views on a variety of today’s topics with sensitivity, and insight. This could not be the same man we saw in London, who seemed to whip his guests into a frenzy of bad behavior, even to the point of physical fighting, much to the audience’s amusement, amazement and entertainment, could it?


We changed our mind about Jerry Springer. Actually our opinion about Piers was also evolving in a positive direction.


This was a “flip flop” for us, and I found myself thinking about the whole notion of flip-flops, especially those that pertain to politics. Specifically, President Obama, and how opponents accuse him of this flip or that flop.


The notion of flip flopping in politics is a negative one, and dates back to 1851 when an article in the New York Times archives cited the “earliest unequivocal mention of ‘flip flop’ as a change in someone’s opinion,”, and in this case, had to do with John W. Goff, a candidate for District Attorney at that time. As time went by, the term was frequently used in political races. In the 2004 US presidential campaign, for example, John Kerry, was accused of flip flopping on several issues to his detriment. Other countries have similar terminology – the UK calls it a U-turn, while Australia and New Zealand call it backflipping.


Whatever the case, to me it seems unfortunate that a political candidate, or anyone for that matter, can’t change their minds on issues, opinions or beliefs without being called to task for the change, and the decidedly negative connotation that flip flopping now implies.


I personally like the idea of being able to change my mind as I gain more information, without some kind of accusation. That ability is what contributes to growing in maturity, and wisdom. I love that my husband and I can sit watching a program on TV, turn to each other, and say, “Wow, that Springer guy has a lot on the ball.” I love that we are not so stuck in our positions that we can’t grow and change, and see things differently. On every level it is important that we all be able to change views without embarrassment or rancor. It’s what brought about the election of Barack Obama, for goodness sake. A lot of people changed their minds about the ability of an African American to hold our nation’s highest office. The possibilities for future enlightenment are exciting to ponder.


So listen with an appreciative ear, and watch with an appreciative eye, as you question your previously held beliefs and do some flip flopping of your own. It doesn’t have to be a negative experience.

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