SWA #3

My argument style is extremely adversarial. I really like to argue. I tend to be pretty good at proving my point and I like to do it as often as possible. I typically approach my arguments more with logic than emotion. I think more about the individual than the community. For example, why should we keep gay people from getting married or keep women from getting abortions just so that the uptight Christians can feel good about themselves and how our country works when, based on their religion, they are just as bad as gays. Don’t get me wrong, I’m myself am Christian, I just hate it when people throw their religion in everyone’s face whether the other person believes in it or not. That’s not how this country is supposed to work. When I argue I’m not trying to wrap my brain around what I believe such that my argument comes out as though I’m almost trying to convince myself at the same time. When I argue I know what I believe, and I know why you’re an idiot for not agreeing with me. I respect other’s opinions and I try to understand why people feel the way they do, but that doesn’t change the fact that I’m right and you’re not. That’s not to say that when I’m proven wrong I don’t know it, but I generally keep arguing as long as possible just because I don’t like to accept defeat. I’m a very competitive person, and I like to win.

I think I see myself as a journalist writing an argument. As much as I hate English class and detest writing I find that it’s a lot easier for me to collect my thoughts and formulate good arguments when I’m writing them down. If I’m writing about something that I feel passionate about or something that makes me angry I think I can make a pretty good case for what I believe. I tend to get pretty into arguments. If I’m arguing in person I raise my voice a little and get a little agitated. Writing an argument I word what I’m saying more strongly. I tend to use a lot of sarcasm when I argue too. I do this partially because it’s an easy way to get your point across and partially because it can either make the other person feel dumb or intimidate them. It’s generally harder for the other person to argue back to sarcasm. It makes them think more than if you just straight up say what you think, so it takes them longer to make a comeback to it. I guess I’m pretty cut throat when I argue. Losing just isn’t really an option for me. I go into an argument expecting to win and I do what I can to make sure I win it.