During an election year, people more frequently voice their opinions, particularly using social networks like Facebook. While freedom of speech is a good thing, those who take advantage also expose themselves to the drawbacks. If politicians used the same wording as random folks on the Internet, or even professional writers who get paid to create controversy, it would be career suicide.
I’m not sure if these people understand or care that the arguments they make are often obnoxious and riddled with logical fallacies. They thrive in setting up straw men and burning them down. They act as though they’re irrefutably right. Meanwhile, those who are exposed to these opinions and happen to disagree (or simply find flaws in the logic) have their own choice to make… ignore them, argue with them, end the friendship, etc. One thing is for certain – someone who suddenly starts voicing controversial opinions will change how people perceive them, whether they care or not, for better or worse.
The opinions typically come from either the extreme left or the extreme right. Moderates and sensible people who understand that even their own opinions have valid counter arguments don’t make as much noise. This isn’t to say that those on either side aren’t making valid points, but it’s often the case that they’re being obnoxious and withholding facts that deserve a mention. None of this is new in the world of debates and arguing, it’s just more apparent since the Internet has given more people a virtual megaphone.
One of the most infuriating things to me is listening to people who have a complete misunderstanding, or unwillingness to understand, the opposition’s position. This isn’t to say that the opposition can’t be completely illogical too, but those who refuse to even try to understand how others can think differently – and then judge them for it – have no credibility themselves. If you’re going to disagree with someone, disagree for the right reasons, a direct rebuttal of their argument, not a misrepresentation of what they believe.
My advice: If you insist on loudly voicing your opinions on controversial issues, but refuse to try to understand the opposition’s reasoning and instead fill in the gaps with your own unfounded claims, at least be self aware enough to realize that others will notice and in return, judge you for that.
Sometimes, simple quotes or proverbs make for the best foundations for political positions. I’ll leave you with two of my favorites. If you agree with them, see if they really do sync up with your opinions on the election or life in general.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
– Chinese Proverb
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
– John F. Kennedy