Curiosity Busts Biases that Impede Drug Policy Reform

Reasonable people can disagree. Whether based on experience, temperament, or doctrine, our opinions can vary. But reasonable people also listen to one another. Those who have an interest in different perspectives actually welcome new information. They know that our interconnectedness defines us as human and that our dialog isn't just worthy, it's fundamental to our well-being.

Grappling with new ideas is a practice that schooling aims to establish. By nurturing curiosity and promoting a sense of wonder about the world, education doesn't just crank out an informed citizenry, shutting the door to future learning. At its best, it instills the habits of mind needed to work effectively in society: strategic reasoning, purposeful communication, flexible thinking, and the ability to integrate perspectives and problem-solve. 

I am troubled by those who stake their claim and have no interest in debate. They don’t want to hear differing ideas, much less ponder any value. These are the people you don't want on the school board or leading your neighborhood association, not to mention in the legislature—because theirs is the rigid mindset that cripples civic-minded collaboration. 

Is it ego that gets in the way? Or binary thinking? Is changing one's mind a sign of weakness? Is it shameful? No! In fact, I think the opposite is true: A changed mind is an open mind—reflecting the mental effort to adapt to a new reality, deepen understanding, and synthesize information to construct new meaning. 

I attended a webinar yesterday that was hosted by Christina Dent on behalf of her organization,  End It For Good. Christina, who I have come to know through my advocacy work, was born and bred in Mississippi, where she still resides with her husband and children. She's quick to tell you that she went to a Bible college and majored in Biblical Studies, and that she is a politically conservative Christian. 

Beyond being the founder and the president of her organization, Christina is a powerful advocate for its mission: Ending the War on Drugs. Once a supporter of criminalizing drug use, she started to raise questions when—as a foster parent—she saw real people suffer its harms. These questions launched her research, which ultimately led to her resolve that "the criminal justice system is the wrong tool for addressing drugs." Her story is an inspiration—not just because her dedication and commitment are exemplary—but also because it's a testament to the human capacity to wonder, to seek information, to listen, to persevere, and to apply creativity in the quest for a sensible approach to an egregious problem. 

The policies needed to mitigate the harms of the drug war are humane as well as financially advantageous. They chip away at the injustice of blatant discrimination, make for safer communities and stronger families. They are based on common sense. But still, there is opposition, some from people who benefit financially from the drug war, and some from those with misconceptions. Yesterday's webinar discussion addressed strategies for bridging the gap with regard to the widespread misunderstandings, recognizing that people need to have an interest in learning before they can be persuaded. 

Winning over people who have no desire to think about change may well be a lost cause. So, we must turn to those whose innate curiosity is intact, hoping that the eagerness to learn enhances the capacity to understand.  

[photo credit: Chris Lawton]