How Constructive Disagreement Can Save us From Ourselves
And from totalitarianism, conspiracy, and extremism
Just argue, FFS!
We’ve been conditioned to “be nice”, behave. Obey. Comply. Get along. Don’t rock the boat or burn any bridges.
Well, fuck the boat and the bridges.
Our education system and society in general expect conformity, compliance, obedience. We criticize, consequence, and punish kids for “not listening” when they’re young, then wonder why teens and young adults become susceptible to peer pressure and social influence as they get a little older.
We’re afraid to engage in any kind of intellectual debate lest anyone become uncomfortable, including ourselves. When we encounter a dissenting opinion or different perspective, we often to regress into defensiveness, rather than be open to learning something new. Discomfort is often necessary for personal growth.
I’m not suggesting we go around shoving our opinions down other people’s throats, nor disrespecting the rights of others for the sake of open dialogue. In certain contexts and under certain circumstances, however, respectful disagreement can be very productive.
We can get a little uncomfortable, learn from one another, and explore differing…
