Is there a better way to share an unpopular opinion?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:27:12 -0500

Most of us have done it, shared an unpopular opinion that opens us up to continued debate from someone who just doesn't want to let go even after we've seceded or let it be known we no longer wish to continue the conversation because there is no point in it. Sometimes we just have to agree to disagree.

I value disagreement if you have a position which you can support. It's important to be able to disagree without letting it become a fight. Some people are masters at this art and others let the discussion become personal and begin to attack personally instead of staying focused. Does this bother you? It does me.

There's an art to having a good debate, having the proper tools to debate can make the difference between a debate and a fight.
The attached article offers insights into how to make your point while staying inside the lines. There's something here for everyone to learn from. I see this as skills we can use in our day to day life as well.

http://www.doctornerdlove.com/2015/06/how-to-share-your-unpopular-opinion-without-being-an-asshole/

How To Share Your Unpopular Opinion (Without Being An Asshole) - Paging Dr. NerdLove

You have a right to your opinion, right? So why do people get upset when you disagree with them? Here's how to share your opinion without being an ass.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 1:31 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:31:45 -0500

Exactly. A difference of opinion is not an attack on your honor or family.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 1:35 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:35:10 -0500

Weak arguments often falter when challenged, most often under the weight of unforced errors of the arguer. Several exhibits of this exist on this website.
Remain calm, explain how your opinion was formed, present your arguments, and if your counterpart is unpursuaded, it is ok to continue to disagree AND respect them afterwards.
This applies everywhere you interact with others, not just in public discourse.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 1:35 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 13:35:30 -0500

That sea lion comic = priceless...lol

Unfortunately, when sharing an opinion - you are bound to encounter someone (or multiple people) who disagree. That's where personalities come into play - some people can share opinions without the nature of being an asshole about it, some are just assholes by nature. On the flip side - some people who can't respectfully agree to disagree are assholes.

Like you Michelle, I value difference of opinion (even more so when it's done tactfully and in a civilized manner). Sometimes, it helps me to look at an issue/problem set from a different angle that I hadn't thought about before - sometimes, it makes me wonder which politically biased source they pulled their information/statistics from. As leaders - we're not supposed to surround ourselves with "yes" personnel...any good leader values difference in opinion. Unfortunately, we do have people in leadership roles who do surround themselves with like minded people (yes personnel) and are usually ineffective at providing adequate leadership to their subordinates.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Nov 18 at 2015 2:16 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:16:18 -0500

CPT Private RallyPoint Member You asked this on RP??? I think I'm going to pull up a chair and wait for the the responses... This one ought to be real good!!! :)

Response by SGT Francis Wright made Nov 18 at 2015 2:27 PM

SGT Francis Wright — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:27:26 -0500

CPT M Cannonie, that is why I present my observations. This way I put the ball in the other guys court. Then it gives me the opportunity to show the other points of view. Because arguing a point is a waste of time, when the catalyst is just trying to create friction without a solution.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 18 at 2015 2:38 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 14:38:12 -0500

I wish I could offer scientific proof of the following but sadly can't find any. So feel free to disagree with or without proof of your own...

Generally, conservatives universally agree on one thing only: To disagree. They seem to relish the debate. Progressive leftists appear universally intolerant of any opinion but their own. Debate is simply not acceptable. As is stated in The Devil's Pleasure Palace, if you disagree, especially if you disagree with proof, "In retaliation, they (the left) will hurl their academic credentials at you, the fruits of their long march through the institutions - degrees that prove, more than anything else, the worthlessness of much of our higher education today."

Of course there are exceptions. When frustrated by in implacable belief systems of the Left, conservatives will hurl invective and epithets. They really need to work on their senses of humor because "Scorn drives the Unholy Left insane. They cannot bear to have their theories questioned, or the failed results of those theories laughed at."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 4:26 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:26:12 -0500

Oh hush already!! LOL. touche'.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Nov 18 at 2015 4:52 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 16:52:49 -0500

We are a society that talks, but never listens, hence we can't fix anything

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 18 at 2015 5:51 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 17:51:12 -0500

"The truth shall set you free." Regardless of feelings, the truth is the only thing that matters. Not everyone will agree with the truth, but they will respect you for telling the truth even if they don't like it. Unless, their version of the "truth" prevents them from intellectual honesty.