Do you consider arguing a bad thing?

[kestra]

I'm speaking in general, not only within Threshold.
I personally don't see it as a bad thing. Call it arguing, debating, whatever you want.
As long as it doesn't become belittleing (sp), or insulting, often it can lead to a better situation.

Some may feel they need to avoid it, or stop it from starting like the plague or SARS or something, at all costs.

Perhaps it comes down to how we were raised, and the environment we were raised in.

Thoughts??

Never stop asking questions---Albert Einstein

[Serith]

I totally disagree with pretty much everything you posted.

[kestra]

excellent!!

[Aerdria]

If arguing is bad, then WHY do we teach debate in school? Being able to defend your position is a GOOD thing, as is being able to consider other opinions.

[Daekyn]

It all depends on the mindset the people are putting into it. If no one cares and they're just arguing for fun, it's all good and dandy. If people start getting their emotions mixed in with it all, it's probably going to end up sucking for someone.
Some people know to avoid it because they get their emotions involved and some people know to quash it when it shows up because others won't hold back with their feelings. And then some things are just plain emotionally charged no matter how you put it. We call those things "flamebait."

[Pyrosama]

I think arguing can be a healthy thing as long as people do not try to belittle each other or try and gain some sort of support from others who are not involved in any way. I guess that most people who argue aren't the types of people who get their feelings hurt easily. If they do, then they probably just stifle their thoughts and avoid as much conflict as possible. I personally don't think it's a good thing to not say what's on your mind, but sometimes it is more comforting to some people to avoid conflict rather than express their feelings.

I like debate as long as it is timed and officially moderated. Try having to debate on a subject where you get stuck with the 'con' part and your own personal beliefs tend toward the 'pro' for that topic. I think you learn to appreciate arguments a lot more when this happens.

Also, I really do believe that many debates and arguments occur between people who actually consider it a game to bicker. They try to one-up each other with their witticisms and flamboyant verbage. They like it, it's fun, and they know that both sides are enjoying the bickering. It's like watching the Jerry Springer Show! It's all in fun because the audience enjoys it and the people on stage actually are "stars" for the time being.

However, it's when someone steps in and actually goes, "you know...I agree with so-and-so, you really ought to...." and then someone else steps in and goes, "Yes, I agree with so-and-so, you should..." that feelings start getting hurt.

Now the fun is done and the game is over.

So, for me it depends on the situation and the circumstance. I think arguments have a place and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a good debate.

[Mei]

Arguing is only worthwhile if it amuses you, or if you care about the person you're arguing with.

[Dalaena]

I hate arguments, which is probably why I try to avoid them at all costs. If I get sucked into an argument, though, I tend to participate with a level-head with anyone but family. Then, I just lose it, so I really hate getting into arguments with people close to me. With people who aren't close to me, I'm not as involved and can argue simply on the merits.

Still, I try to avoid arguments. I tend to just swallow what I have to say.

[Daekyn]

Arguing can be fun, ya ya ya. I already said that part. But when arguing, you've got to draw a line. You can't just argue with EVERYTHING for the hell of it. Rebels for the sake of rebelion suckass (to me.) You need to make sure you have a valid point, and you need to make sure you're not blatantly wrong. Most importantly, if you love to argue, you need to learn to agree every so often. I've known situations where the urge to contradict someone was so strong that I had to actually make an effort to say that I did, in fact, agree with them.
So yeah.. You need to argue with responsibility. There IS a difference between debating and being a belligerent asshole.

[Aristotle]

Arguing can be entertaining and educational if the people you are arguing with are sufficiently educated on the topic and are able to think for themselves.

Arguing with people who know nothing other than their own (often baseless) opinion or who do nothing but parrot back rhetoric from a web site, pamphlet, or demagogue is wholly unpleasant and unproductive.