Beginning to Change Attitudes

(13) If a change in either attitude or behaviour is desired, where does one begin? Most often it is suggested that attitudes be changed first, since they tend to result in certain kinds of behaviour. However, some people say that attitude changes should begin with a behaviour change. This, they say, will encourage a more natural, permanent behaviour change. Consider the approach taken by Daryl J. Bern in his book, Beliefs, Attitudes, and Human Affairs:

There is now sufficient evidence to suggest that under certain conditions, one of the most effective ways to "change the hearts and minds of men" is to begin by changing their behaviour. In fact, this may even be easier than first trying to change their attitude. For example, conventional wisdom suggests that promoting goodwill toward minorities may convince people to discriminate less.

However, there is better evidence that suggests making people discriminate less may convince them to feel goodwill toward others. Or consider another example. Most people agree that the question, "Why do you eat brown bread?" can be properly answered with, "Because I like it." I should like to convince you, however, that the question, "Why do you like brown bread?" frequently ought to be answered with, "Because I eat it."

Changing Attitudes Over Time

(14) Attitudes can also be expected to change over time. In part, this results from having new experiences and developing new understanding and perceptions. As Mark Twain put it: "When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant, I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years!"

(15) One parent recalls a conflict of attitudes between herself and her parents when she was a teenager. Evidently they disagreed about how much independence the girl should have at the age of 16. She recalls thinking, "When I get to be a parent and have a 16-year-old daughter, I will allow her as much independence as she wishes." Now, as a parent, she can remember her earlier attitude, but she no longer thinks and feels that way. Because of her age and new point of view, her attitude has changed.

DETERMINING ATTITUDES

(16) In many instances, attitudes are revealed by indirect clues, such as facial expressions and body language. Our thoughts and feelings are revealed in these ways even when we do not realize it. Paying attention or lack of it is also an expression of attitude. If you have a negative attitude about an experience you are having, it probably shows in some way. It is important to realize, however, that facial expressions and body language can be misinterpreted. Thus, someone who is simply not very expressive may be considered apathetic. We are not always accurate in determining the attitudes of others, yet we often react toward them as though we knew what they believe and feel. In sum, attitudes are difficult to determine or change. A little tolerance of others can help us a lot on the job and in every aspect of living.

COMPREHENSION EXERCISES

A. True or False

Write true or false and the number of the paragraph(s) that supports your answer. Be prepared to explain your answer.

1. An attitude is the same as an action.

2. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between what we think and what we feel because these two elements are so closely related.

3. Attitudes are learned by watching others and imitating them.

4. Because of the strong influence of family, the influence of peers will not affect attitudes.

5. Most often attitudes come first and behaviour follows from attitudes.

6. What you say and do always agrees with what you think and feel.

7. Two people can look at the same situation and perceive it differently

8. To change attitudes, some people say that you should start with a change in attitudes, which can lead to a change in behaviour. But there are other people who say the opposite.

9. As children grow, their attitudes can become more like those of their parents.

10. Observing the facial expressions and body language of others always gives us an accurate way of determining the attitudes of others.