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The Argument Culture

In: English and Literature

Submitted By freewriter
Words 927
Pages 4
Let’s Look At All Sides

Deborah Tannens, “The Argument Culture,” is an essay in which she voices her concern that our culture “urges us to approach the world, and the people in it, in an adversarial frame of mind” (404). This conveys that there is always a point to be argued and that most people voice their opinion in opposition. This not only causes problems in social circles, but on a worldwide scale as well. She explains that everything is set up as debate where it seems there has to be a winner and a loser. However, this is not always the case because opinions are neither right, nor wrong. That is why they are a personal opinion that a person feels.

Tannen is concerned that the argument culture frame of mind leads us to believe that “every issue has two sides-no more, no less” (405). From my personal life experiences, I have observed this to be somewhat true. I don’t believe society portrays every issue to have a “right side” and a “wrong side.” Take the controversial subject of abortion for example. Some individuals believe that abortion is wrong no matter what the situation is, while others think it is a woman’s choice. Then there are the ones who are usually against it but think it is acceptable in certain situations. Or what about the up and coming topic of requiring drug testing for welfare recipients? Some people are all for it, some people think it is a waste of tax dollars, and others think it should be done if the person has had known drug problems in the past. While we all have our personal opinions regarding abortion, drug testing welfare recipients, and a myriad of other issues, Who are any of us to say our opinion is right and if you don’t agree then your opinion is wrong?

Tannen claims that the argument culture has become a common method of public interaction. “Conflict can’t be avoided in our public lives anymore than we can avoid

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