Arguing is inevitable
Something that this country is struggling to do, in politics especially, is debate and argue professionally. Looking at the 2020 presidential debate we can see the problems that I'm referring to; talking over one another, raising one's voice, not respecting the other persons' ideas presented... the list continues. This is one current example of the inability of society to responsibly argue.
Gary Layne Hatch in his piece goes in depth on what causes arguments and how to appropriately argue/debate so it doesn't end up as a shouting match. "Differences will always exist. It is these differences that give individuals their identity within a community" Hatch states (197). To have a well functioning society it is important to have differences and arguments. This is sort of the backbone of a democratic society. Though this is good, too much arguing leads to a risk of losing the commonality that defines the community. Not having differences at all rapidly becomes a community of one, like a totalitarian society. So there is a line to be drawn on the number of differences within a community.
Hatch uses the word, "reasonable" to describe an appropriate argument. "Being reasonable means resorting to reasons - justifying, clarifying, and explaining without resorting to violence." (197) This is something that is ideal but is rarely realized. People need to be focused on is listing and understanding what the other person is stating, rather than being so close-minded. This close-minded attitude is what leads to yelling and violence.
When arguing and debating it is important to be respectful of the other person's ideas. It is not appropriate to let your ideas feed into your anger. This is what creates violent arguments. Arguments are inevitable but can be handled properly to the point where they can be beneficial.
I like how you incorporated Hatch's piece into your blog. I also like the fact that you called arguing "inevitable" because it truly is. I feel like arguments are part of everyone's daily routine, even if they aren't "responsible" or "correct" arguments.
ReplyDeleteI like how you state that arguing and frustration should be independent of each other, a majority of the arguments that I come across not only do not follow the rules you laid out throughout your article, but can get violent fairly quickly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your last statement, that arguments if handled properly can be beneficial. Cutting other people off or taking everything personally doesn't lead to a productive argument. It also feels good to end a argument where both people were respected and learned something in the process.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how you included the piece from Gary Hatch, because it makes the article more relatable because you see someone elses opinion on writing. I also like the ending you included about being respectful when arguing.
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