How To Debate And Change Somebody's Mind
Start writing a post
Politics

There's No Point In Challenging Someone's Thoughts Until They Turn Into Actions With Real Consequences

Really think... Is fighting going to change something right now?

89
There's No Point In Challenging Someone's Thoughts Until They Turn Into Actions With Real Consequences
Mani Dasoju

This is a controversial topic because I said so. That's a thought. That thought may not affect you or change you. I don't mean for it to do so, either. But, in the world we live in, there are a lot of thoughts. Clearly, since humans think a lot. And they say a lot too. But, as humans, we get offended quite easily and that causes so many issues to happen in our history and society.

I think (this is my opinion) that we really should stop fighting each other based on a difference of thinking, a difference in worldviews. I personally think that different worldviews are good because not everyone can understand this large world all at once. We need to think differently. Fighting each other, as in to attempt to alter another person with force, is useless in the grand scheme of things, only when the other person does not act upon those thoughts. Here are a few examples to help get this idea across.

For example, if I said "all lives matter," a large community of America would be easily offended because this phrase is meant to belittle the pain that they are dealing with on a daily basis. But let's say I believed in that phrase, for the sake of the example, but I didn't do anything more than say it. I simply believed in that idea. But if I went on Twitter and posted for it, or walked in a march to present it, or reached out to a senator to endorse it, then I have taken an action.

Now, the black community that would be offended by that idea should not take action against me for believing this idea. Why? Because I haven't done anything. Once I do something, then it's valid to counteract my action in defense of whatever consequences my actions have done to your community. Then it becomes reasonable to fight.

For example, if there was a mother who thought that vaccines were not good for children, so be it. That mother, an adult, has full rights to think about whatever she wants. I, as another adult, disagree, but I can't just oppose her because she hasn't done anything that causes harm based on her thoughts. When the child, her child, is affected by the lack of a vaccination, then it becomes valid for me to fight her and her ideas because the child that she is responsible for is now in harm's way. She is hurting someone, and my fight for my belief would help to prevent injury to that child. Now, the clashing of ideas is valid.

Before that, she could think whatever and me fighting her would just be provoking an unearned conflict with no purpose other than to change someone's mind in this free-thinking society. Now, it is to defend the next generation from sickness due to the idea and her following through with that idea.

For example, the President of the United States of America is Donald Trump. Personally, I do not like the guy. A lot of people around me do not like the guy. Let's say that when he was still a businessman (kinda still is), he thought that Mexican immigrants should be forcibly kicked out of the state regardless of the status of their dependents. That was a thought. But he was a businessman and didn't act upon it. Rather, he was more concerned with his next venture or next investment because he wants the money.

But now he's the President and that thought remains in his mind. He now speaks about it and acts upon it. Before, any argument to change his mind would be just to provoke him. It would be there just because we didn't like that thought. But now, his thought has real consequences. It changes policies that govern the land, it affects families in America, and it causes many children to suffer from psychological damage, too. Now, this is something we need to fight because his thought has taken action.

Of course, there is always room for counterarguments, even against me. I know only so much and I'm just thinking. I could be wrong too, maybe fighting prematurely would prevent possible actions from ever taking place. That's a maybe, and there's only one way to know what is certain: by doing it. I just wanted to get people thinking about when is the right time to fight someone, verbally or physically. Really think... Is fighting going to change something right now? Patience, it's all about when you fight and not how you fight the battle.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71117
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132859
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments