Yes, I agree.* On a personal betterment level, understanding all
sides of an issue is, I believe important.But you can understand
the Popular position, understand why they're offended, and also
choose to say, "I see your opinion, I understand, you're not
wrong, but there's something more important at stake here."
I'm personally very careful on issues where I "take a stand"
precisely for +[1]Erik Boesen 's reasons.* I don't like
offending people.* Yet, there are a few things that I'll take a
few arrows for.* I've taken arrows for a "Popular vs Unpopular"
position myself, and will gladly do so again. Some people need
defenders.* I don't believe Popular people need defenders
because the very nature of being Popular, gives them plenty of
defense already. Popular people do have their own problems of
course.* It can't be easy to maintain that position.* But to me,
that's like a celebrity crying about the price of fame.* It's
part of the deal. And here's the difference:* Popularity is
something you work for. You don't work to be Unpopular.* The
Popular people make you Unpopular by excluding you.*
Unpopularity is a victim category, as much as I hate that term,
and need assistance from strong defenders who can take a few
arrows to the knee. Even if you chose to decide that "This isn't
an issue I want to stand behind." - I want to thank you
profusely for starting this conversation.* You've helped me
personally clarify my thoughts on several issues, not just the
nature of Popular vs Unpopular, but the nature of Political
Opinion, knowing where to stand, where not to stand, and most
importantly for me, where I stand. I can't overstate the
importance of "no topic is forbidden".* Communication, debate,
controversy all help us each understand our own positions in the
world; help us understand the great "Who Am I, Really?" question
by a process of collecting and comparing our opinions to those
of others, modifying or keeping our positions, and ultimately
making us better at precisely knowing "What Do I Believe To Be
True?" So, thank you :D You've already made a difference.
References
Visible links
1.
https://plus.google.com/102877061379033466774
