Short Writing Assignment #3

After completing the analysis, I found that I had checked items in both columns, consensual and adversarial; however, I feel that I am more of a consensual arguer. When bringing up an issue to another person or group, I tend to be indirect in my approach. I always try to back my opinion with logical reasoning, as to try to get the opposing party to see my views. I prefer cooperation; if I am in a group discussion, I like rational conversation as opposed to all-out war, with both parties competing to force the other to see their views. I usually try to avoid confrontation, because I am intimidated by others’ opinions and aggressive nature. I can easily see more than one view in an argument, so it is also easy for me to see logic in another person’s opinion. Most of what I argue about comes from a logical perspective, as well as emotional. If I feel that what is being argued crosses a line, perhaps attacking people’s morals, I tend to fight on more of an emotional level. I prefer negotiation over winning, because a compromise is a victory for both parties, and prevents further dispute.
Most of my argumentative style comes from my parents. Although they have strong opinions involving my upbringing, expenses, and politics, they always came to a compromise in arguments. If I went out with my friends, and they gave me an eleven o’clock curfew, but I wanted to be home at midnight, we would agree that I should be home at eleven-thirty, to avoid yelling and bickering. Disagreements over similar issues involving expenses, politics, etc. normally end in a consensus between the two of them. Also, another aspect of my consensual style comes from my gender. A lot of emotions are involved with the decisions I make, because I try to take other people’s feelings into account, which is another reason I like to reach a compromise, to avoid conflict.
Although I have qualities of both consensual and adversarial arguers, I tend to have more of a consensual style of argument. I would be more likely to resolve an argument than to provoke one. This form of argument was brought on by my parents, as well as my compassionate nature, being a girl.