Me? Not so much.
While I'll never raise my voice, or start calling names, I do like to make sure my point is heard and that if we don't agree, we can both agree on that fact, and still go away sisters/friends/associates/whatever. (granted I don't offend easily so..that helps too I suppose)
However, I have discovered over the weekend, I will NOT debate via written text anymore. For one thing, if you aren't on IM you have to wait until the other party, comes back to their computer to "refute" your statements. For two, if you are using a medium such as, Twitter, then you have to make sure you know what the person is replying to you about, before commenting, and three you cannot read the persons tone/facial expression/body language via text.
So yeah, I got into ANOTHER Twitter debate the other day (I've gotten into several). I commented on something one of my followers said, then deleted feeling they would take it wrong. But the other party, somehow still saw it, thought I was talking a bout a recent tweet, due to not going back and actually seeing what I was commenting on. So my @mentions tab was BLOWN UP with snide comments about how I was uneducated, and I needed to quit informing others with my misinformation. I actually had to laugh at first, until I realized this person, seriously thought I had no clue what I was talking about.
I started to get a little up tight when I kept getting tweets telling me that I had a right to remain uneducated.
Excuse me!? PersononTwittersay WHAT?! (yes that would be a Hannah Montana line)
But I knew, said party really didn't know what I knew, so I couldn't get offended, however I was amazed at how easily people are willing to call names, and demean people when they can't see them face to face!
So here's a tip. If you feel strongly about a subject, and you want your debater to see your point of view...Don't call them names, don't make them feel as if they are less than a person for feeling the way they do, remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and if said person does not wish to be "educated" in the way you think they ought too, then be mindful of that fact. Don't use sarcasm, ESPECIALLY in text as it WILL NOT be taken right.
And the most important thing is: Make sure you have your facts straight before laying them out there.
Well ok, another thing would be to remember who your audience is.
If you can't do that, then don't debate!
While I was indeed more knowledgeable then the person originally thought, I was so turned off with their manner and attitude that I had a hard time, admitting that some of what they were saying I actually agreed with; and was more willing to side with the side they were against.
Then I come across another article, which is nit-picking someone else's point of view as well. Its like seriously are you trying to push people away or bring them around to your way of thinking!? They were arguing that the other person, "didn't know how to argue" while they were just sitting there ripping them to shreds. Can anyone say DOUBLE STANDARD!?
The Bible Says it best in this situation:
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
But wow, this was a random topic I know.In conclusion, if you want to debate with me, that's fine, but keep it civil...no keep it POLITE, don't allow your blood pressure to rise, remember everyone doesn't have to agree with you and for pete's sake, don't call names!
Here's to having a good week!
