I often feel like I'm always trying to defend the opposing side. Left leaning people love when I criticize Republicans and conservatives love when I criticize Democrats. I don't belong to any one side. There are often things I agree with from a conservative stance and often things I agree with from a more liberal stance. Doesn't mean I "belong" or identify with the left or right. My conservative friends like to call me a liberal every once in a while, and I'm sure my liberal friends think I'm a right wing nut job in sheep's clothing. That's the thing about being a libertarian. We've been called all of these things sometimes in the same day. If you truly want to know what I identify mostly with, google "classical liberal"
But back to my major point. If it seems like I am taking the opposing view just for the sake of a good argument, you may want to think again. I actually loathe arguing (No comment from close friends, please). I don't mind a friendly political debate, but doing so on Facebook is less than ideal because when you're the only one with the opposing view, it can feel like you're being attacked by everyone else. I know people hate to discuss politics on Facebook because "no one is changing anyone's mind."
I disagree with that statement.
If what someone says to you can influence the way you have thought about something, I would call that productive. It's not about changing ideas, it's about influencing people to change the way they think about something. Those are two completely different things. I have often said that I encourage and welcome opposing viewpoints. I NEVER want to seem that I am superior to anyone, and if I ever come across as condescending in my rebuttals, please let me know, because it was not intention. If you can present a clear and concise argument of why you think you are right and someone is wrong, the other person doesn't have to like what you say, but having mutual respect goes a long way.
I will openly say that I don't like to engage in debate with certain people because they approach debate with a personal interest. The second you take something personal when it's intent was not meant to be personal, your argument takes on entirely too much emotion. I've been guilty of this for sure, and have found myself angry with someone who I cared for.
We are humans, and emotions are going to take place in discourse, even if we try to leave emotions at home with us.
So, the next time you find yourself in a heated discussion on Facebook, relax, breathe, realize it's just a debate, make your point, and move on.
