Differences of Opinion and the Need for Civil Opposition

The notion of freedom of speech guaranteed under our Constitution (among our First Amendment rights) is not just one of toleration of differences of point-of-view, but a compelling necessity.  It can be argued that there is a need for ‘opposition in all things.’  This is not because all viewpoints have equal merit or are equally correct—quite the contrary—but it is because freedom of discussion improves our own opinions and clarifies our own values—and maybe in the process others’ opinions and values as well. 

 

Respectful discussion requires rules of engagement.  It requires opportunity for both sides to express their viewpoints and both sides to carefully listen to the other sides’ arguments.  For this to happen it requires decency of language, disallowance of labeling or accusing and it requires not only full opportunity for expression but for rebuttal under explicit or understood rules of civil discourse.  When one side starts yelling or labeling or denouncing the other side as ‘bigots’ or ‘hateful’ or using other disparaging remarks or tactics it almost always reveals a cessation or poverty of substantive argument or honest evaluation of the issue under disagreement.  It may even, then, require the regulating of freedom of the revolutionists who cannot or will not maintain debate when it does not suit their purposes yet insist upon remaining in the arena.  Rock throwing—physical or verbal—does not facilitate conversation. 

    

All of this is for the real purpose of freedom of speech—to arrive at a truth.  More than being a system for the toleration of error, it is a system for the finding of truth. 

 

Perhaps we can picture a courtroom with rules of order, presentation of evidence, witnesses, cross-examination of witnesses, all in the presence of a judge and jury who weigh the evidence and arrive at a verdict in light of the law.  Or consider a forum where a speaker must respond to questions, or a reputable newspaper where opinions on both sides are published with balance; or a scientific article presentation that must be subjected to a peer-review.

In a totalitarian state there is a system of one-way communication.  The audience is expected to listen but cannot and dare not speak back or vote with secret ballot.  Under a despotism the opposition is quashed and critical discussion disappears.  While the right to talk may be the beginning of freedom, the necessity of listening is what makes the right important.

 

If a civil balance does not exist, democracy perishes.

Impressions

When one travels to a new place or meets a new person or encounters or experiences something previously un-investigated he usually forms an immediate impression that tends to last, but sometimes invites further investigation and thus can be altered. These impressions can be positive or negative. There are few new experiences that do not, to some degree, color future encounters with the same stimulus.  And impressions happen quickly.  It is at that point that generalizations begin to form that could lead to polar opposites—attraction/repulsion; invitation/exclusion; participation/avoidance; acceptance/rejection. 

  

The impressions or representations we make on others can, therefore, be very important. Impressions are made and impressions are received once one's attention is drawn to something new or unique. 

   

The art of making a good and lasting impression on others is something that can be developed by careful attention.  Many a job-seeker or wife-or-husband-seeker or salesperson has been sunk by not developing the skill of looking through another person’s eyes or sensing the impression he/she is making. 

The advice I would give is to Do unto others, or Be unto others, or Represent unto others, what you would like to have done unto you—provided you do not compromise your deepest values.  People of all cultures or religions recognize this as being an application or variation of what Christians call the ‘Golden Rule.’ You give the person what they really want or really need because this is what you really want for yourself—and for them.

First impressions are, of course, only made once.  Second or third (good) impressions become progressively more difficult to make if the first one is blown. 

If you have blown an opportunity to make a good first impression there still may be hope.  Barriers may need to be breached, apologies made, pride dropped, submission occur and trust developed or little can be done to help one repair the damage done and make a better first impression (actually second or subsequent impression). 

 

This is where the coachable person can make tremendous strides forward—if he/she would but learn from the more-experienced or successful mentor or model who has or understands these principles.

 

The caveat, however, for giver and receiver, is that impressions are impressions—they are not the whole truth.  Getting to know someone or something takes time. So do not jump to hasty conclusions over first impressions or appearances.

  

Learn and practice the skill of making good first impressions and representations—and let them be true.