Being Open-Minded

My son would like me to be more open-minded, especially when it comes to music.  Perhaps he is right. For example, today we were riding in the car, and he started playing "indy" music. And I liked it.  The Fleet Foxes and Mumford and Sons has a fun, late 60's. early 70's type sound with a some folksy tones thrown in and some harmonizing throughout.  It made me feel good and had me reminiscing. 

Being open-minded is really tough for me most times though. I was brought up with a set of beliefs and values and have surrounded myself with others that share those same values and beliefs.  I'd like to think I'm a fairly open-minded person, but, like most people, I do have some pretty strong views about specific topics and find it hard to sway from those opinions -- no matter how others might try to persuade me. For example, I know I am set on my beliefs about abortion, politics, and God.  I truly believe that having strong beliefs can be a wonderful thing and I believe we should all stay true to what we believe in, but having strong beliefs doesn't have to mean having a closed mind. 

Although it can be rough sometimes, I have always found that when I open my mind to such things as music, and literature, and food, and culture, I usually reap a ton of benefits and learn a lot.

But on the other hand, the claim to be open-minded is frequently used by people who want to sound virtuous, and intellectual, and simultaneously make their opponent sound intolerant, while defending or promoting their ideas and beliefs.  Just because I don't agree with you doesn't mean that I am not open-minded.