So do I dare disturb the universe? As if I could, the presumption! Even as I write I am engaged in a Twitter discussion, if such a thing is possible, that illustrates my predicament; several tweets questioning the intelligence or honesty of one side of an argument, followed by a tweet bemoaning that side’s negative campaign tactics, followed by this:
...no logical reason to support <other position> beyond selfishness has been presented to meAnd I am not immune to this pattern of argument myself. Not so long ago on a blog rightly critical of the “Tories take pleasure in punishing the poor” narrative, I applauded the critique whilst describing the left as “sinister”, thus revealing myself to be... well, a little bit stupid too. Whoops.
But isn’t that what a blog is for, to have a not-always-coherent rant at whatever happens to annoy? It’s not the only use, occasionally we may wish to make a cogent point, but as a vent for our frustration it really comes into its own. Unfortunately it’s easier too and it’s when we confuse the two that we come unstuck; for no matter the righteousness of our cause, who was ever persuaded through being boxed in and called an idiot?
I'm getting better at making comments at another blog, asking myself if it enlightens or not, then, more and more, not hitting "Post Comment" but marching onward to another post.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, I also want to encourage some to keep blogging by posting comments like this one.
Terrific post, Phil. I like the way you think.
ReplyDeleteWhen I worked as a lobbyist, somebody -- a school board member, I think -- told me of a discussion he had with someone, & said, with a straight face, "I tried to convince him he was stupid but he wouldn't listen."
I'm such a hypocrite... I just called the NUS president an idiot on someone else's blog!
ReplyDelete"I think I should be congratulated for steering clear of two ‘big’ political issues, or to be more accurate I am congratulating myself on steering clear of two ‘big’ political issues. The other day I wrote an ‘up front disclaimer’ to presage an oncoming rant on either AV or the subject of tuition fees but wouldn’t you know it, either the anger dissipated or the apathy kicked in. Hooray for me!"
ReplyDelete... And they accuse my age group of being the "everyone get's a trophy" generation. Perhaps you could do some more nothing later and congratulate yourself further?
@JAMC My fault, I didn't expect anyone to take me quite so literally - the "hooray for me" was meant sarcastically. Though I do wonder how you would feel if my opinion were to conflict with yours?
ReplyDelete