week4 post3 dq

Consider various human rights groups in history and in the present (civil rights movement in the 60s, LGBT rights, women’s voting rights, Black Lives Matter, etc.). What kind of social influence can minority groups exert on the majority? Should their goal be to engage public support or private internalization and acceptance of the arguments among members of the majority?

Instructor Louis and Class,

Minority opinions can influence the majority through consistent and clear messages that persuade the majority to systematically examine and reevaluate its opinions. Often majority groups voice opinions without concern because they have the majority on their side, however, when consistently hearing the opposing opinion from a minority group this leads the majority group member to think more carefully about the stimulus and thus question the original opinion. Minorities typically influence fewer people, but the nature of the influence is often deeper and results in true private attitude change. This can in turn overturn the minority into the majority. For example, over the last 20 years, same sex marriage has become a majority where as 20 years ago this was actually the minority (Gilovich et al., 2016). I believe minority groups should publicly voice their opinions, beliefs, ect. so that majority group members are exposed to the differing opinions/facts and are able to more carefully think about the minority group. Same-sex marriage wouldn't be possible today if the minority groups didn't spread their views and knowledge and want for change in society.

-Paige S.

GOod morning,

A consistent minority disrupts established norms and creates uncertainty doubt and conflict. Because of this, it can lead to the majority taking the minority view seriously. Due to this, the majority will therefore be more likely to question their own views. The LBGT is now known as the LGBTQ Community. The LGBT community want to be heard. They want rights just like everyone else. The community shaped laws nd created better opportunities for those of the community. Their first goal was to pass the Equality Act, which amended the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which included sexual orientation and gender identity among prohibited categories of discrimination. (Harkness). The stand up for cases that were discrimininating based on their sex and/or sexual orientation. There have been acts written even laws that got behind many movements and found support by so many around the world. The LGBTQ Community should be treated with dignity and deserve the same protection as any other American.

Thank you.

maria