Why Arguing Is Effective

Whoa, wait! Arguing is effective? Life's choices tend to be complicated sometimes. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinions; however, they do not always share a common perspective. As a result, arguing has become a common act to resolving problems over the years, and no one knows arguing better than today's younger generations. The problem with most people is that they refuse to acknowledge when arguing is appropriate and in which situations it is most effective. That is how people find themselves in trouble or in a sketchy predicament. Despite what most think, arguing is effective, given the right circumstances. Being accused of something is a consequence no one wants to experience, especially if the accusation is inaccurate. Arguing for someone's innocence is effective and positive. No one should have to pay for someone else's dishonesty or something he or she did not do. For instance, John has been accused of murder, when in reality,
he did not commit it. The best choice for John to take would be to hire a successful lawyer to argue his plea. Whether John's case is found guilty or not guilty, arguing for justice is his only way to freedom. Arguing in this manner is most effective, so the victim does not have to live with lifelong consequences he or she does not deserve. During an interview with Jane Smith, a convicted felon, she stated, “Although I was guilty and did commit those crimes I was charged with, I met a bunch of people in prison who I honestly felt did not deserve their punishment, either because I felt they did not do it or because it was too much for the little they did” (Smith). Everyone deserves justice, and they just have to fight for it until they earn it. As said before, everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion.
Technically, that person might not be right, but people are often stubborn when it comes to changing their minds. This is where arguing is considered useful. It opens up alternative points of views, or perspectives. It can also give someone insight on the opposing argument, something that he or she might not have known prior. When trying to prove a point, arguing, in the most respectful manner, is effective. The objective is to prove that a specific topic or opinion is right (or superior to another opinion). The downside to this is that arguing can and usually does cause high tensions among people. Dr. Gail Saltz says that the number one cause of arguments in relationships is money or spending issues (Thomas). Sometimes, the argument can get violent, as seen in situations when someone becomes abusive. While domestic violence is legally and morally wrong, all relationships should experience a disagreement, because ultimately, it just makes them
stronger. Arguing can also promote change. When standing up for something in which one strongly believes, care must be taken in choosing the right course of action. On the downside, saying the wrong thing can draw unwanted attention. For instance, “Don't say things you'll regret” (Martin). This can cause more problems in an argument than the disagreement itself. In another scenario, if a young girl was sexually molested, and the suspect pleads not guilty, then the family must argue their way to justice; except, most of the time, parents do not want the whole world to know that their daughter has been through such a tragedy. On the other hand, it can also draw good publicity to highlight the subject matter that one is attempting to make a difference in. Overall, arguing does allow room for change, regardless if the opposing parties want the attention or not. So, despite some of the negative effects the outcome of a dispute may have, arguing is effective. Different situations call for different measures. Not every situation needs to be argued and not every problem needs to be left unattended. Arguing has its own place in this world, and as long as society chooses to approach it in the appropriate way, it will remain an effective source of communication.