Argumentative Culture

Everywhere you look you will see an argument of some kind. Maybe it’s a brother and sister arguing about whose turn it is to do the dishes. It could even be two people at a convenience store arguing about who should get the last bag of skittles. Turn on the TV, switch to the news channel, and watch how the media tries to distort everything. They will take extreme sides and try to argue the fact that one side is better than the other.

It’s as if we don’t even question why we argue. We have been raised in a culture where we are taught to argue and to fight for what we think is right. It is second nature to us and we have become experienced in using it. Perhaps it is just easier for some people to argue certain points, than to try to compromise and strive to get to a resolution in which we both win.

We seem to live for the thrill of the conflict. I think it’s because our emotions tell us that we need to come out on top. Maybe some people feel they can’t lower their “prestige” a little bit to make it a win-win situation. Some people may even enjoy arguing. They like to prove their point and show that they are the one who is right.

So, do I think we live in an argumentative culture? Yes, I do, and I don’t think it will ever be different. Our human nature tends to make us want to be right, and that leads to arguments.