I am not interested in trying to convince and change the mind of

Host: The room feels quiet, but there’s a noticeable edge to the air, as though the conversation is about to tackle the complexities of understanding, tolerance, and engagement. The soft light of evening fills the space, casting gentle shadows, while outside, the world continues its usual rhythm. Inside, however, the conversation feels more serious, as though it’s about to dive into deeper reflections on conflict and communication. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression thoughtful. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, gazing out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, yet filled with curiosity) “You ever think about how exhausting it can be to try to change someone’s mind when they’re set in their beliefs? Especially when those beliefs are rooted in hate or ignorance?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Changing people’s minds? Yeah, it’s funny how some people seem so entrenched in their views that no amount of logic or reason can shift them. And with some people, it feels like you’re just banging your head against a wall. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Angela Rye said: ‘I am not interested in trying to convince and change the mind of a bigot.’ It made me reflect on how, sometimes, trying to change someone’s perspective is not only futile but also exhausting. There are some beliefs that are so deeply ingrained in hate or prejudice that trying to engage with them only drains our energy.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, she’s saying that it’s not worth trying to convince someone who holds hateful or bigoted beliefs? That there comes a point where it’s better to not waste your time or energy on someone who refuses to see reason or open their mind?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Rye’s point is that not all battles are worth fighting. Some people’s minds are closed to the point of bigotry, and trying to change them isn’t just exhausting—it’s often unproductive. There’s a certain amount of energy that’s better spent on those who are open to growth, rather than on those who are rooted in hate.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to settle in the room, creating a shift in the conversation about the importance of where we invest our energy and efforts. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind Rye’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of where to direct our efforts in challenging hate and ignorance.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what she means. There’s only so much you can do to change someone’s mindset, especially when they’re so firm in their prejudices. Sometimes, it’s better to focus on creating positive change in spaces where there’s a willingness to listen, rather than wasting time on a lost cause.”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. Engaging with bigotry is draining and often doesn’t lead to anything productive. It’s not about giving up on fighting injustice—it’s about knowing where to focus your energy, where it can actually make a difference. Change starts with openness, and there are just some people who aren’t ready for that.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea sinks in) “It’s liberating, isn’t it? To realize that you don’t have to engage with every person who holds a hateful view. You can choose where to invest your time and energy in ways that actually move things forward, rather than trying to change every single person.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. It’s about choosing your battles wisely. Not every person is worth the emotional investment, especially when they’re set on holding onto hate. The real work is in educating those who are open to change and supporting those who are fighting for justice.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of where to focus our efforts in creating meaningful change. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the importance of where we choose to direct our energy. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that while combating hate is important, it’s equally important to recognize when to disengage and protect our own energy. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that we can’t change everyone—and it’s okay to walk away from those who refuse to listen.