Final answer:
To encourage people with extreme political views to moderate, engage them in nuanced discussions about their beliefs, prompt them to think and act more reasonably, and challenge them to consider the importance of collective action and the complexities behind political identities.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you want people with extreme political views to become more moderate, engaging them in thoughtful discussion about their beliefs can be an effective approach. For instance, you could ask them questions like, "When it comes to most political issues, do you think of yourself as a... Moderate-leaning Conservative?" or "What do you think about government regulation, the military, the economy?" This helps them to articulate their views and confront the nuances of their own positions.
In the context of fostering more moderate views, it's also helpful to encourage people to think and act more reasonably and less emotionally. For example, explaining how working and earning money to buy desired items is more practical than reacting emotionally when their wishes are not immediately granted can draw parallels to political compromises and practical policymaking.
Additionally, posing questions that challenge individuals to consider collective action, like "How might you propose getting people of all personality types on board with a collective campaign to fight a credible future threat?" can prompt them to think beyond their own perspectives. It draws their attention to the need for cooperation and sacrifice, which are key elements of a moderate stance.
Engagement in politics and understanding the quality of citizen engagement is crucial for a well-functioning democracy. Encouraging discussion about political ideologies and identities may also lead to the consideration that most choices emerge over time through complex environmental and social influences, challenging the rigidness of extreme views.