TLDR

(too long, didn’t read)

• Understanding Naïve Realism: Introduced to the concept in "The Happiness Hypothesis," I explore how naïve realism leads individuals to view differing perspectives as irrational or invalid, assuming everyone has the same information (point of view, “facts”, beliefs, etc.).

• Challenging Division: Reflecting on the divisive nature of contemporary politics and beliefs, I advocate for empathy and humanity as bridges to overcome exaggerated polarization.

• Promoting Connection: Encouraging face-to-face conversations with unfamiliar individuals, I emphasize the importance of seeking understanding beyond stereotypes and media portrayals.

• Questioning Assumptions: I prompt introspection by asking readers to evaluate their trust in strangers' perceptions of them and their willingness to engage calmly with opposing viewpoints.

• Embracing Differences: Aspiring for genuine freedom, I envision a society where individuals are not demonized for their beliefs, fostering respect and dignity for diverse perspectives.

Give Me the Deets!

Give me the long juicy details

I first came across the term “naïve realism” in a book titled the Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt. Essentially, naïve realism is the psychological phenomenon that happens when individuals attribute irrationality, ignorance, and/or invalidity to someone who does not share their point of view, with the assumption that the other individual has all of the same information we do. The logical argument goes something like: 

If you are a rational/intelligent/ “good” person, and you are given the exact same set of assumptions, you will come to the same rational and objective conclusion that I do. 

AND

If you do not, something is wrong with you.

In the context of the last ten or so years, politics and religious/non religious points of view have become a game of exaggerated all or nothing. If you are not with us, you are against us. But this is not an accurate view of ourselves and others. Science argues that we are much more similar than we are different.

For the coming new year, I hope that we can get past some of this division and derision. I think with a little more empathy and humanity, we can agree that at the end of the day, we all want to live freely and cause less (or no) harm to others. I might also ask that we turn off the news and go talk to people we don’t know much about. I mean get a coffee or a beer or a cola, and really connect with someone you wouldn’t normally talk to. Instead of assuming you know what people are going through or why they are who they are, or believe what they believe, let’s go ask.

When I talk to family, friends, and strangers about American culture falling apart and away from an inclusive and truly diverse community, I get a lot of the same idea. We all wish for better empathy and understanding for and from each other. While this is only anecdotal, the want and need for us to come together in order to move forward as a nation without some form of totalitarianism that demonizes vast amounts of people seems like it might be helpful in our social progress. I think there is a larger scale of individuals who would prefer to see their neighbors and fellow citizens as human beings, much more like themselves than not. We just need a little information and a little bit of time to practice realizing when we are being naïve realists ourselves. 

A good question to ask ourselves might be- “ Do you trust a random stranger to accurately label you?” If you think a stranger can’t speak for you, why would you assume that a news anchor, radio show host, or random person perfectly depicts other people you do not know? How easy it is for us to allow stereotypes to inform our ideas of ourselves, others, and the world.

How often do you assume someone with different political views than you could have some validity in what they believe?

How often do you choose to calmly and rationally interact with someone who does not share the viewpoint that you do? Face to face, not over than the internet or social media.

How many friends do you have and choose to spend time with that do not share your beliefs?

How often can you take a look at your own views and say out loud that it is okay for someone to have a different opinion than you and that doesn’t make that person wrong? 

I may be an idealist at heart. When I dream of real freedom, the freedom that America has touted for so long, I associate it with the ability to live how I want to live, holding what I believe to be true for myself, and not being demonized for doing what is right for myself. 

As the new year sits just around the corner, I hope to inspire just one person to examine how they view people who are different from themselves. Is it really so bad that we do not agree? Is it worth dehumanizing others and treating others with disrespect and indignity, in order for us to feel right or good? How often can we acknowledge ourselves doing this in subtle and not so subtle ways?

The good thing about naïve realism is that knowing about it can inhibit it from happening or at least slow it down. When you acknowledge the assumptions you hold about people who are different from you, you suspend the immediate reaction. Maybe the person you are talking to is a person very much like you. Maybe if you had had the same life as they did, your norms and beliefs would be much closer to theirs. Or maybe if you had a conversation with them about WHY (not what) they believe what they do, and how it impacts them from day to day, you might understand a little better why they are not the same and how that is okay for them, when it doesn’t hurt you at all.

If you might be interested in learning about what you have in common with people who come from similar and different backgrounds from yourself, you might check out the pages below.

Challenge yourself this week: Have a conversation with someone whose beliefs differ from yours—not to debate, but to listen. Share your experience in the comments!

I hope that in the new year, we all find a little more humanity and connection to people who are very different from ourselves. Here’s to dreaming and creating in the new year. 

Cheers, 

Astrid