How the Fallacies of Debate are Effecting the Election (Unpopular Opinion)
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

How the Fallacies of Debate are Effecting the Election (Unpopular Opinion)

The Non-Voter's Guilt

9
How the Fallacies of Debate are Effecting the Election (Unpopular Opinion)

It is time, once again, to vote for the next president of the United States.

As a non-voter, I am feeling that I am in a bit of a quandary as to whether I am making a bad decision or not. Many would say I am a part of the problem. I am not sure whether I agree or not. I think we must first look at the terms of this election.

Presidentially, there is no secret that this years candidates are not the most popular. Among some of the most common responses I have heard: "We are screwed either way," "America is going to look like a joke," and of course, "The whole thing is rigged anyways."

The lack of confidence in our presidential candidates specifically is not why I am writing this. Granted, I too feel stuck in between two choices that do not feel practical as two wholes either way. This goes beyond Hilary and Trump.

Apparently, I am a part of the problem for feeling uncomfortable making a choice between two people that I have witnessed bicker like children live on television.

Really though, I find it unfathomable how anyone could feel anything less than disgust for the advertisements that are dedicated strictly to bashing an opposing candidate rather than the progressive factors of their own campaign. How is it that people see Hilary's emails or Trumps offensive remarks as more of a social issue than the strategy for the elections in general?

Am I wrong to feel insulted that I am expected to be persuaded by content that translates as petty? I think I've heard more mature debate by my little cousins trying to pick out a movie. Someone send them to time-out. Where is the decency? To me, this speaks wonders about their expectations of our competence.

Witnessing Trump and Hilary supporters over the Internet it seems that they have taken up many of the same strategies. It seems to be much easier for a person to bash opposition than to support reasoning for their own decisions. Is this because we feel stuck between two substandard choices or we have lost the quality of debate all together?

With two candidates that are perceived to have many alert-worthy flaws, it is hard to resort to to any answer without the method of utilitarianism.

It worries me that these are topics we are not supposed to go in depth with in classrooms. It worries me that the fallacies of the election have outweighed the purpose, and that it reminds me of a popularity contest. I am concerned that people would rather uneducated votes than to question not voting at all.

I am not saying that not voting is the answer.

But I do understand the uneasiness among people like myself. I do understand the lack of confidence in our potential political leaders, and I do hope that one day elections will not look as ugly as they have thus far.

I do not want to be part of the problem, but I do not want to conform without an ideal and dignified solution. Is this wrong?

You tell me.

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.

44608
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.

118219
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