How to Disagree

Submitted by Scott on Sat, 2008-03-29 04:56

Paul Graham just published an insightful essay on How to Disagree. This isn't an article on men's issues or double standards based on gender, but I'm submitting it here because I think spending some time understanding this essay could improve the quality of discussion/disagreement in the men's rights community. Gender issues tend to be very divisive and emotional topics to discuss, and I think the overview Graham gives of effective disagreement can serve to strengthen pro-male discussions. Check it out.

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Comments

"If moving up the disagreement hierarchy makes people less mean, that will make most of them happier. Most people don't really enjoy being mean; they do it because they can't help it."

I question the accuracy of his last statement. As a poster on this site used to say, "People who love to be brutally honest like the brutality more than the honesty."

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Submitted by MR on Sat, 2008-03-29 12:11

http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=149624

:)

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Submitted by mcc99 on Sat, 2008-03-29 20:25

I agree that people oftentimes should be more civil during discussions. Witness media discussion panels whose members keep interrupting each other. But just the basic rules should apply - no shouting, personal attacks, name-calling, intentional interruption where it is not called for, or other overtly obnoxious behaviour.

Someone who is going to tell me how to argue? First of all, who made him God? Secondly, it sounds like the whole scheme is based on avoiding making people "uncomfortable". Cry me a river. We need to return to the days when everyone accepted the fact, that in life, there are going to be things that make us uncomfortable. You can't legislate comfort, or have "rules" about it as such.

-ax

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Submitted by axolotl on Sun, 2008-03-30 04:18

Sarcasm can have merit in many discussions. While it might seem rude or demeaning, it can be an effective tool.

aka: The wise ass!

..........................................................

"The sunshine bores the daylights out of me.
Chasing shadows moonlight mystery."

[Rolling Stones]

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Submitted by anthony on Mon, 2008-03-31 04:28