The "How" of Communication

Why do some people have trouble accepting facts? Why do some folks refuse to believe or accept information that has been documented, validated and corroborated? Is it a simple communication problem or are there deeper reasons behind their unwillingness to let go of their own inaccurate versions of the truth? The current controversy surrounding President Obama's place of birth is a case in point. Despite the fact his birth certificate has, in fact, been produced and displayed on television and put out on the Internet for all to see and that authorities have confirmed that he was born in Hawaii, none of this is good enough for some. Why not? Why do some people still cling to the notion he is not an American citizen? A second example is climate change. There is overwhelming scientific consensus that it is real and that mankind has been and continues to be a key factor in its existence and escalation. Nevertheless, there are those who refuse to acknowledge this truism. Why not?

Whether it is where President Obama was born, the issue of climate change or any number of other issues (those who believe the 1969 Moon landing was faked are among my personal favorite), some people refuse to believe or accept the truth no matter no matter how insane, silly, indefensible or inaccurate 's their perspective. I remain baffled by their steadfast allegiance to gross untruths. It points to the reality that sometimes the truth, no matter how well packaged or straight forward, is sometimes not enough. Some people need more than that to rethink their perspective on certain issues because, depending upon the specific issue, there are those who feel down right hostile toward what is that contradicts their interpretation of reality.

To me, this emphasizes the complexity of communication. Being an effective communicator goes beyond facts. It also speaks to the manner in which people process information and ways in which they are most receptive to it. Information, for many, is a personal thing. No one likes to be made to feel as if they are ignorant, particularly if they have been spouting information that runs counter to the truth. Thus, in the communication process, the "how" of it is often as vital as the "what." Having said that, it must also be pointed out that there are those - a relatively few - who really do insist up is down and down is up and nothing can be said or done to change their mind. These people have their own agenda. The communicator might not be able to completely wrestle them from their perspective, but, with effort, can get them to acknowledge the possibility of their being mistaken.