How to end a conversation
There are several words and phrases that I think we should voluntarily ban from discussion and dialog. I hear them often, and they seem to me to be ways of feigning an argument when there is no substance, devices to avoid facing the consequences of a good argument. Rather than furthering a dialog, they shut it down and actually mischaracterise the other's statements very uncharitably. Here they are:
labeling a criticism as an "attack"
dismissing disapproval as "bashing"
mistaking a moral argument for a legal one and insisting that "people have a right to do what they want"
avoiding making a substantive response by stating, "Well, that's your opinion."
mistaking a moral claim for a preference claim: Well, I wouldn't want to have an abortion.
That works with vegetables, not morals: Well, I wouldn't eat beetroot.
These are phrases unworthy of a good dialog where both people should make a good case and acknowledge when one is made. Be on the lookout for them, and examine your own rhetoric for these tricks of the tongue.
2 Comments:
there is a time when it is an attack and not a criticism don't you think? When people make personal insults? Is that not verbal attack? I think occasionally these word are truths and not mere rhetorical devices.
Ofcourse you will say that its just my opinion.
:)
the rev
of course.. some people actually are stupid.. :-)
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