By
Obododimma Oha
Some people have claimed that everything is s an argument. They may be right, especially when that thing in question presents a perspective. Which argument does not try to show that a perspective is better?
And so life is made up of arguments. In fact, it could be seen as an argument! That is an argument, too, I realize.
It was Stephen Toulmin, in his The Uses of Argument, who tells us that argument is a process - - from evidence or data to a conclusion or claim. And, in visual narrative, this process could be implied, with representations as data.
These days, one is surrounded by arguments. It is not only that in daily talk we encounter arguments, but in the social media, participants debate a lot, each person claiming to be right or supporting a side. I have, in another blog article, wondered whether these people who argue sleep at all. They are yoked to come back to their arguments to find out who has said what, who is supporting and who is opposing. Obviously, that borders on pride and some may just be arguing blindly or be there to show that they are the only wise folks around! Sorry, social media. Your infuriating adjudication aside, I am one of those who enjoy and visit you often. Is news? Or is it links that assist my research greatly? Is your archiving of information? Is it your education and wonderful classrooming? Is it your connection of friends who never knew they could meet again? Yes! You are helpful.
But your court of law could be funny. There some people argue endlessly, making their lives miserable further. The point, therefore, is that they are their own problem. They are their own shit.
This essay says that it is an ego thing, if one is oriented to argument, assuming that one cannot be wrong. In that case, such arguments destroy the arguer's ethical bearing, although the person may not know it. Others who perceive this egoistic inclination may think the person is only showing off.
Some people would recommend silence as one way of managing the situation. The person arguing may disappear or remain silent for a while. That silence would cause opponents to wonder why and worry about having access to the mind of the silent one. That is, if ego would permit falling silent!
Very frequently in heated debates, somebody gets angry. Who wouldn't get angry if told that he or she is arguing blindly or hasn't got the facts? Indeed, some people argue blindly and their getting offended is just a proof about being despicable in interaction. Of course, debates are for greater enlightenment, but how often do people accept having received information or inspiration through argument? Pride would not allow them!
That people argue at all is actually a clash between two proud sides. Each side is in a league match and must not lose very easily. The other side comes with dribbling and wants to score. If one is in backside or goal-keeping, one's major obligation is to prevent that attempt to score. And the debate goes on and no clubside wants to lose and be ridiculed.
You know that people could go wild when their soccer club is involved. There I learnt that a fan is a kind of fanatic. There was one day I attended one church harvest in Nigeria. The MC called supporters of Manchester United to come to the altar to offer their gifts. There was fire burning! They lined up and displayed all kinds of soccer taunting to other clubs. The Holy Spirit was watching and was the main spectator. Then, the MC called the supporters of Chelsea. Wonderful! Some supporters removed their Chelsea vests and fanned the sacred chalices at the altar. The Holy Spirit was embarrassed! So, the analogy of arguing sides as soccer clubsides even frightens me, just like the Holy Spirit in the story. I hope it is not a false analogy.
One place this league match takes place is the listserv, USAAfricaDialogue. Are we surprised? That listserv is populated by professors, knowers, who can very easily mess somebody up, if care is not taken. In other words, don't just bring your nonsense to public gaze. Little wonder many would prefer to lurk. I hope they won't tear me to pieces when they read this!
Did I forget Facebook? Ah, that one na warfront. If you come there and share nonsense about your village, you are finished. Somebody somewhere will read it (or not read it) and respond the way that you won't like. Another person will respond and before you know it, a big quarrel starts. In fact, even before you finish uploading or editing the update, the first reaction has landed!
There have been some unfortunate cases of social media arguments leading to the real courtroom. In that case, we have the lawyers hired to continue the arguments for two infuriated people. Arguments versus arguments!
Argument and ego. Hmmm. Let me just leave it there. More debate, please.
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