How do you respond to controversial issues?

2014-05-06T01:12:50-04:00

Often I find myself in a conversation with people that I feel is encroaching upon a politically charged conversation that the other person is speaking their opinion largely out of ignorance. I often either openly or discreetly excuse myself from the conversation or simply change the subject, particularly if my military affiliation is already known.

An example is the topic of drones. This came up in a conversation where a person was attesting to the horrors of drone warfare. Some of the capabilities they were citing were very wrong and the very foundation of their argument was that drones are uncontrolled machines that killed at will and were prone to going rogue. I understand ISR capabilities having had the opportunity to work with them, but the ins and outs of drones really aren't my area of expertise nor is it my place to disclose, so I simply stated that we should agree that our opinions on the role of drones is different and move on. He agreed and it was never revisited.

What are some other means of dealing with people when pinned into a corner on some of the hot-button topics.

Response by MAJ Dallas D. made May 6 at 2014 8:31 AM

2014-05-06T08:31:20-04:00

James,

I hate to say it but in most cases I have learned it is better to handle it the same way you are. I have had many conversations and I think once someone get's emotionally invested in their side of the discussion it is very hard to continue the discussion. I have had some very enlightening conversations with adult, mature, professional people and those are the type that I try to have these type of discussion.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 6 at 2014 9:56 AM

2014-05-06T09:56:53-04:00

I enjoy a good debate, especially when it is done in a professional manner where neither side takes the others comments personally. Dissenting opinions are important to personal and professional growth. I have learned a lot from those with opposing opinions (every issue has valid pros and cons). You have to remember though, that it is impossible to intelligently debate any issue once emotions get involved...once that happens, your choice is the best. Just agree to disagree and move on. If you don't have an open mind, you can't learn; no matter which side of the argument you are on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 12:01 PM

2014-05-06T12:01:13-04:00

It depends on the issue and where I'm at. In front of certain higher up...I'll walk away. In the car with a peer I may engage. Often when I do engage I'll learn something new..factual information or just a new point of view I've not considered. If the subject isn't something I'm comfortable with I'll say so and walk away. But at the end of the day as you said sometimes you just have to agree to disagree. We all have the right to our own opinions and as long as we respect the others view point no matter how we feel both sides can get something out of the conversation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2016 4:19 PM

2016-02-14T16:19:45-05:00

Sometimes, it doesn't matter how right you are or how much evidence you can provide to prove it. After a certain point, you just have to let it go for the sake of whatever sanity you have left. Sometimes, people only want to hear affirmation of their thoughts and opinions.