Can people really change?

[Ryuukie]

If some says something that's hateful or prejudicial -- and then says he's sorry, he didn't mean to say that and he doesn't really feel that way -- do you believe him? For example, if someone says I hope all fags get AIDS and die and then he recants because what he says has gone viral, do you think he's really changed his mind? Or is he just embarrassed because other people are now criticizing him?

Can someone truly change their mind about an issue that goes to the core of who they are as a human being? Would you ever be able to trust such a person?

[bankside]

I don't accept someone saying the opposite of what they just said, concerning matters of judgement. Saying something to placate someone else is unconvincing; those people would have to work to prove they had changed their minds over time.

[MoufOfKhaos]

In that situation - the "i'm sorry what I had to say went viral" bit, no, I don't believe that for a second - that's an example of a person that's sorry because he got caught.

But in general, yes, I do believe people can change. Only if willing to take the time to make that change genuine can it be achieved. Doesn't make me less of a skeptic though...

[Spiff]

I believe people only change as a reaction to something that directly impacted them or someone close to them. In general, people don't just wake up some day and spontaneously change the way they live their life. There needs to be a stimulus.

[refujiunderground]

in that sense, yes, they can. the ignorant can change if they allow themselves to be educated and informed about what they don't know unless they allow themselves to remain ignorant. a lot of hate and prejudice comes from a lack of knowledge about something. all you can do is be sympathic towards them because they're only hurting themselves through their thinking.

[SLOPPYSECONDS]

If some says something that's hateful or prejudicial -- and then says he's sorry, he didn't mean to say that and he doesn't really feel that way -- do you believe him? For example, if someone says I hope all fags get AIDS and die and then he recants because what he says has gone viral, do you think he's really changed his mind? Or is he just embarrassed because other people are now criticizing him?

Can someone truly change their mind about an issue that goes to the core of who they are as a human being? Would you ever be able to trust such a person?

let ya nose wen any humans invent

thankyou

[cgymike]

As people get older generally they are less capable of fundamental changes in outlook. Children are far more able to adapt and change in almost any way to any situation. Not to say older people can;t change but it's rare.

[loveguys72]

On superficial things, yeah, people can change. In terms of basic fundamentals, no. That stuff gets hard wired in early on.

[geloge]

I belive people can change but not in a few seconds

[GiancarloC]

People can change their minds but it takes time. I was once someone who was self hating and I used to take it out on others in high school... including one gay guy I insulted a few times. I regret my actions to this day. I did later get into contact with him and told him how much of a jerk I was... even told him I am gay. He told me he knew it so he didn't really pay attention to what I said even if it was hurtful.

At any rate, change takes time... it depends on how willing people and receptive one is to change.

I remember a quote about this:

Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. - Robert F. Kennedy

If one stands up for themselves, they can help change perception... even if it takes time.

[Beachguyj]

People can change if they want to and if they have some introspection as to who they are in the first place.

and you can't change that much, you can only improve yourself.