The Art of Arguing

"No, no! You're not listening to me! Just because it's bigger doesn't mean it's better!"

My friend isn't impressed: "But it's the same price, and a much better deal! Why would we get the small one? It's my money anyways."

This goes on for a few moments until my friend just gets up and buys the drink. We were arguing about which size soda cup to buy.

A third party looked on with a slightly worried, intimidated look. "Wow, you guys need to chill out. Not everything is worth arguing about," he said. I disagreed, though. From my point of view, arguing is an opportunity to change others' opinions or to sway things in your favor, and if one has insight on a topic, he or she should weigh in, even if it means arguing his or her point.

I thought about mentioning this to them, but decided against it. I had brought it up with them in the past, but they didn't seem to get the point that I was making. I learned from that argument that sometimes both sides are perfectly legitimate and some things boil down to an opinion and in many cases people don't want to change their opinion.

My friend walks back and sets down a large drink. I take a sip and look at him. He smirks at me and asks, "How is it?" I ignored the question and took another sip. Clearly, he had won this argument, at least in his mind. I knew that if I said anything else about it, it could easily escalate into something bigger. I see a fight as a heated argument with yelling and possibly violence, and any argument can turn into this if the wrong things are said. Another difference is that fights always end with very negative feelings and people often mad at each other, while arguments often end with both parties being more informed and still on good terms. I do not want to get into a fight over anything, especially something like this.

I think that all arguments are important to make, even the minute ones. Making these minute arguments can help you in bigger, more important arguments too. Arguing with someone is a great way to express your opinion and to learn how others think. It can be a great opportunity to learn something new, but you also have to avoid getting into a fight. And, for the record, I think smaller cups are easier to use.

With a Perspective, I'm Jordan Levy.

Jordan Levy, 15, is a sophomore at the Alameda Coummunity Learning Center.