Learning to agree to disagree. -J

Whenever I bring up some touchy topic, I’m asking for a debate. We have such hot-headed people in our society, they don’t know how to look at and appreciate someone else’s perspective. The problem is: no one knows how to agree to disagree.

Agreeing to disagree has come in handy for me in many different instances, one being: politics. Yes, everyone knows that people are entitled to their own opinion. However, there is a certain way to go about giving an opinion other than automatically assuming you’re right. Political parties have had discrepancies for ages, that’s something that’ll never change. When going about giving an opinion, make sure people know why you have that opinion; the opinion needs to be backed up with facts.

I have had my fair share of debates: with friends, family, and in the classroom. I understand why our society finds it pleasing to debate about issues; if you feel strongly about a topic, then your adrenaline will kick in and you’re going to argue your points. It’s completely normal to enjoy a subtle argument, but how far is too far? Debates have torn friendships and families apart, just because people can’t come to a consensus to agree to disagree.

Now, debating in the classroom is different. You’ve got a judge per say. Students-while being monitored- can have a civil discussion about hot topics. It can even be fun, you just have to prepare yourself with a little research first. Personally, I love debating in class, until some of my classmates take it a little too far, which then will in turn fire me up. As soon as I get an adrenaline rush, I start my argument.

This is exactly the problem. No one can easily or fully understand the other side of an issue. Sure, they may say they do, but in reality, they don’t. Before you start to argue your own side of an issue, you need to acknowledge the other side’s view and agree to disagree. This forms a bit of respect to whomever the debaters are.

I’ve said it a lot, but what does agreeing to disagree actually mean? Well, it means that you know you’re not going to sway the opponent, but you’ve given them the benefit of the doubt. You allow them to know that neither of your views will change, and that’s okay. In order to have a friendly, civilized discussion, you must listen to the other side.

So society, I ask you, are you going to learn to agree to disagree with one another? I mean, if not we could just start a war and fight until the death over one simple, little issue. But, that’s up to the people.