Countering

When reading about the idea’s of others, we often quickly critique and go against what the person is saying. In Harris’s book “Rewriting” we are taught to counter when reading the work of others. We are taught to offer a different way of thinking and not immediately go against what the writer is saying. In “My Teachers at Marjory Stoneman Douglas Saved Lives” by Carson Abt, we see him do what Harris explains countering is. Abt had written a letter to President Trump who quickly disapproved of his ideas. Instead of going against what Trump had to say, Abt calmly says he wishes he had “told him my [his] story.” Abt explains his story which occurred during the horrific and traumatic day of the Parkland shooting. He explains what happened that day in a very straightforward tone. Abt does not berate Trump, rather remains civil and just tells his side of what happened. I personally feel that by not aiming his article at trump and by simply sharing what he wants the world to know, is more powerful. I think his message was definitely conveyed in a strong way.