the end of arguing

While the Greek philosophers saw argument as a cultured process where intellectuals rationally exchanged ideas, modern society has perverted this notion.  Today, people see arguing as an immature and irreverent way of dealing with dispute.  The process of argument has unjustly been given a negative connotation by modernists due to the condescension of opinion and the belittlement of opposition.

Today, opinion is looked upon with disdain.  Unless you are considered an "expert" at a specific topic, you won't receive credit for a rationally explained argument.  How many times have you found yourself stating a perfectly logical position to a certain topic, only to hear the rebuke, "Well, that's just your opinion"?  In a country whose epithet is "the land of the free", opinion (and by extension, free speech) has become ostracized by the public, and America has become a paradox.  The limitation of opinion in America is probably best exemplified through Political Correctness.  While P.C.'s intentions are noble (it tries to limit derogatory speech), it has directly defied the right for people to speak uninhibitedly about crucial situations that the country is currently facing.  People must either not speak at all, or speak through an oppressive filter, lest they incur the wrath of P.C. advocates.  This fear of expressing of opinion has led to the "dumbing-down" of society, where intellectual debate cannot exist, and as a result, new revolutionizing ideas cannot form.

A commonly seen occurrence in modern argument is the belittlement of the opposition.  Have you ever recalled debating with someone, only to see them roll their eyes and jeer you after you've finished making your point?  What about hearing the response, "You're an idiot!"?  It seems that many simply do not want to listen to ideas, and will resort to the quick insult rebuttal and also forgo responding with civility.  In fact, I personally recall a time when a former high school teacher stated his views on a specific topic, then went on to state, "This is the only solution to this problem.  It is right.  It is just.  And it can't be denied.  Anybody who disagrees with this is awful!"  Bear in mind that a 16 year old student did not state this.  Rather, a full-grown man, who is paid to listen to students' opinions,  said this.

People have begun to fear argument.  Do to this, opinions, ideas, and reflections on culture will not spread.