Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't in the heat of the moment? I'd say we all have been there. Is anyone else sick and tired of mass media weaponizing people against one another with fear, deception and manipulation? This isn't about a healthy discourse on immigration policy or the rising costs of college tuition. It's about letting our emotions get the best of us and calling it passion.
Have you ever been a part of a debate class or club in school? If so you've likely been told you'd be arguing the side you don't believe in during class more than once. This isn't done to try and convince you to change your mind. It's done so you can appreciate that the subjects that are being debated have more than one answer and way to view what is happening. It removes the ego from the conversation and opens your mind to learning why others support that viewpoint.
When it comes time to actually debate you are charged with not only making eloquent points, but backing them up with data and verified research. That's why the winner isn't whoever is representing the more popular viewpoint, but the one that presented the best case.
I'd argue we could all do a better job verifying data and asking more questions when it comes to the state of politics in our country.
A part of what makes a great argument is a side that has taken the time to learn why the opposition believes what they do, to imagine their lived experience and to speak to it. It shows a removal of ego, an open mind and creates the right environment to have a healthy, safe and productive discussion instead of an emotionally charged shouting match.
Do you agree?
