Remember what we learned about conversing with someone who has an opposing viewpoint? Know what you believe. Know what they believe. Know what they believe about what you believe.
(Note: Today’s post is from a Facebook article I wrote. Here is another similar article from this website with additional information: https://civicsandcitizenship.org/the-right-to-protest/
There are some illustrative points that may assist you in having a better understanding of communication with those who do not understand the First Amendment).
In recent posts several people with opposing views have chosen to communicate their dislike for me and my views. If you have an opposing viewpoint and follow the commenting rules at the end of every post I write, your stance stays on my page.
Besides, you do not have to agree with me. (Note: Facebook removes your post if there is cussing or if you post additional links). Since I pay for ads and promotions on this page and have undergone a security check to own an education page dealing with civics and citizenship, there are rules to follow. It’s not my personal page. It’s an education business page. Therefore, we follow the rules to be able to communicate a message.
However, there is no civil discourse when people with opposing views assume what I believe or call me and other participants names for what we believe. Instead, there’s name-calling, parroting of media type-casting, and no intellectual thought—just venting. I refuse to finance the views of people who want to be uncivil and disrespectful. After all, it’s an education page.
Moreover, what do we learn from venomous attacks on viewpoints that differ from ours? We realize that some people misunderstand the first amendment entirely. Maybe they’ve never read or studied it, either. They believe it is their right to squeeze out opinions that disagree with theirs anytime, anywhere, and anywhere. We also learn that they take their education solely from the politician they favor, the press, or the professor they admire. They fail to apply common sense or think for themselves.
In brief, I believe in all five freedoms listed in the First Amendment (religion, speech, the press, peaceable assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Those with opposing views believe they acknowledge all of these freedoms, too, as long as everyone else agrees with their interpretation and doesn’t inconvenience or offend them.
Remember this: you have won the argument when the name-calling and personal attacks start.
We’ve covered this before, but it bears repeating: Some people come to a discussion for understanding. Others come for an argument. Learn the difference. After all, how much of your day do you want to devote to someone who believes you are inherently wrong and need to be stopped?
Know what you believe. May we all grow in understanding and knowledge of our God-given rights.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. 🇺🇸
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