"Without question, when people are uncertain, they are more likely to use others' actions to decide how they themselves should act...It is the conduct of such [others] that gives us the greatest insight into what constitutes correct behavior for ourselves."
- Robert Cialdini, Influence: the psychology of persuasion
If you're reading this post right now, you're likely informed to some extent of the ecological and social emergency that climate change is winding up and beginning to deliver. You're also likely aware of the existence of a disinformation campaign that is so far pretty effective at leaving people questioning whether there's an issue at all (somewhat embarrassing to admit is that I still find myself wondering at times if this issue is even real).
Your only assignment this week is to have 5 conversations about climate change with your peers that you wouldn't otherwise have.
Think for a moment about typical topics of small talk in your circles. See if they could start like this:
- "Yo did you see those cars in Ellicott city just floating down the street?! With way more intense storms due to climate change headed our way, we'll probably be seeing more of that each year. Plus, those businesses..."
- "I finally got around to watching the video of the Oklahoma senator disproving climate change with a snow ball thrown on the senate floor. He must've missed 5th grade science when we learned the difference between weather and climate." (This is a great 2-minute overview of the difference.)
- "I wonder how much of this Baltimore heat is typical or if climate change is responsible for any of it." (Truth is, I have no idea. Truth also is, it doesn't matter. Climate change is real, it's got measurable impacts, and the momentum is only building.)
- Bring up Bill Clinton's "Grandparents' test" or his economics point here.
Don't forget: 5 conversations with your peers about climate change this week.
"Embarrassment is a villain to be crushed here."
- Robert Cialdini, Influence: the psychology of persuasion
"One dreadlock is stronger than one strand." - Psychology, by Dead Prez
No comments:
Post a Comment