Through my daily interactions with different people, I have noticed how much arguing has become integrated into societal interaction. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, because sometimes arguing can be constructive and lead to real progress. However, arguing usually only leads to hostility and can seriously affect relationships. Television can have a large impact on how we behave, especially if the shows we watch for hours a day include drama and arguing between characters. It can also greatly affect what we argue about, which a lot of the time involves trivial and insignificant matters.
Arguing in the classroom is often encouraged for the sake of producing constructive results. For example, we challenged each other's research and persuasive speaking in our recent group debate concerned with the question "Is true knowledge possible?" There was a lot of arguing involved, however, the result was that it improved our critical thinking and encouraged us to be open-minded to new ideas. This also applies to argumentation between students and professors. The goal is ultimately for the student to learn by questioning what is being presented to them.
While participating in speech and debate in high school, I had to argue pro and con positions of numerous topics with complete strangers. In my experiences I learned that some groups are very sensitive to certain topics, such as religion and politics, and that if you involve your personal life in an argument you are making yourself vulnerable to be hurt. There are so many current events that stir debate, such as the presidential campaign. What always seems to stay consistent is that arguing about what should have happened in the past and insisting that your position is the right one, instead of working together to make a difference and hearing all sides of a story, does not accomplish anything and usually only creates more problems. All in all, arguing is necessary for progress to happen, but that can only be possible when both sides are willing to be open-minded and not take things too personally.
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