Monday, September 26, 2022

From Argument to Argument


By


Obododimma Oha


Have you ever participated in an endless argument, or argument that leads to another argument? Maybe you have. Just read this.

I have a friend who likes arguing. You would get tired of his argument and tell him, "Ok, you have won." He would turn and ask, "How have I won?" That would start another round of argument!

So, how has he won? You want to escape? An argument leads to another argument. You cannot escape. Plan it on the chessboard, but it would not work out. "How has he won?"

If one says that he has won, it means that one is both a competitor and judge. Unacceptable. Very.

One has to prove that he has won, even if it means arguing to favour him! Imagine! Arguing to favour what you oppose! Like suicide. Suicide in discourse. How best to destroy your own side in a debate.

That means, if you are his captive, sorry for you. No escape. You think this is your social media? You have fallen into a trap.

How has he won? This question is a strategic one. What a clever way of working on the side of an opponent in an argument!

So, you want to change the topic? We have seen that move already. It is  blocked. Changing the discussion. To something on your dining table. No way! Road closed. A new  discourse and a new escape route!

This is not USAAfricaDialogue or your WhatsApp group. You want to escape? Why should USA, a country, dialogue with Africa, a whole continent? No escape for you. Road closed!

Oh, you think that he was arguing to win? Not at all. Championship is for beginners in the business. Road closed here, too.

This one is not your academic exercise in which you explain argument as having conclusion, evidence or data, from which one could reach a claim or conclusion via backing and its relatives. No. This is endless thing, where Y does not necessarily lead to Z.

This brings up the issue of quarrels and arguments we witness on social media platforms. The interaction on social media is not for argument and quarrels!

What makes the situation very delicate is that those arguing do not physically see those with whom they're arguing. Certain pragmatic requirements tend to be relaxed. Arguments on social media should not be to advertise ourselves. It could eventually work against us. It's a global community! Road closed for suicide.

From Argument to Argument

By Obododimma Oha Have you ever participated in an endless argument, or argument that leads to another argument? Maybe you have. Just read t...