Stop Saying ‘It’s Not My Job to Educate You’
If you want to change the world, it absolutely is your job
We live in a democratic republic. We elect our leaders based on the policies they promise to champion in office. But to get a leader elected, you have to build a coalition behind them. You have to convince people that voting a certain way is in their best interests.
How do you build a coalition to elect leaders who will enact policies that will change society in the direction you want? Well, I can tell you how you can’t do it. You can’t do it by dismissing anyone who disagrees with you or misunderstands you as evil, ignorant, and/or privileged.
When people express doubt or disagreement, don’t say “it’s not my job to educate you.” Remember, you’re living in a world that still needs changing. As long as that’s the case, the burden is on you, as the proponent of change, to make your case. It absolutely is your job to educate others.
When you don’t acknowledge this fact, it sends three very clear messages to the people who aren’t yet on your side. First, it tells them you’re arrogant. You know better than them and your superior knowledge makes you a superior person. You won’t lower yourself to engage with someone who doesn’t believe what you do.
