Monday, April 9, 2007

Arguments – Exchange of words or heated exchange

I have been inculpated of being politically correct. Let me elaborate and foray into this accusation. Few of my friends feel that when a heated debate is going on, or as I like to call it - a shouting-match in which the loudest prevails, I do not embroil. I am tempted to quote Oscar Wilde “I dislike arguments of any kind. They are always vulgar and often convincing,” but that is not entirely true in my case - the convincing bit in the quote. If you cogitate, with a cool head, you’ll realize that verbal arguments among people consistently devolve into vitriol. Plus, is it fair to altercate for the sake of it? I haven’t relinquished arguing but I’d rather indulge in it when it’s not a quest between people to prove the other party wrong. Call it my recrimination, but I am yet to see humans spar without malice in their attitude and use of condescending tone. Maybe I do not partake in arguing because I do not see the point of hurting people, even if unconsciously, or stifling them with my opinions. I’d like to think of it as a sign of prudence, and not weakness.

Any thoughts?

Copyright © 04.09.2007

“Arguments are extremely vulgar, for everyone in good society holds exactly the same opinion.” - Oscar Wilde

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

You are right...majority of times the "argument" is to establish intellectual superiority and nothing else where "debate" is conversation between two different ideals. It is wise to stay out of the first one.

Enjoyed reading it.

Anonymous said...

I hate arguments my dear. i agree with you. they are tools to hurt others.

Anonymous said...

"Never wrestle with a pig, for you will get dirty and the pig likes it!"

Also, "Never teach a pig how to sing, for you waste your time and the pig gets annoyed!"

Anonymous said...

A heated debate - as you call it - is normally the one where the most passionate of opposing thoughts are exchanged.

I agree with your view-point of staying out of shouting matches, but I will extend that to say I prefer to stay out of them only when the eventual outcome does not affect me in a major way.

There are numerous instances where you HAVE to take a stand and be heard if you want to get your point across. Ideally these instances should not result in shouting matches, but sometimes they do. At those times - I believe - it is necessary to indulge a bit.

Anonymous said...

Well, I wouldn't like to argue with you on this point!

Anonymous said...

if getting your point across involves shotuing, you are in the company of wrong people.

civilized people debate on issues. it's the unruly who argue. arguments should be avoided as vizzy said.