FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT

On the Finer Points of Online Political Argument
By Sam Perwin

A few days ago, I did something I rarely do: I started a political discussion on Facebook. This was, by all accounts, a terrible idea and something I justifiably avoid doing. As anyone will tell you, I much prefer to argue things in real life. Any online forum for political discussion inevitably leads to all-caps "shouting" and/or name calling and demagogue-ing. In my experience, I've never seen one that ends without both parties feeling more calcified in their respective beliefs and basically thinking "We're right. They're wrong. And they're idiots."

Can't we all just get along?

Surprisingly enough, though, what happened was actually pretty thoughtful discourse. I'll chalk that up to my excellent taste in friends and the fact that, as I pointed out several times during the two discussions, we're on the same team here. I posted two articles, one from the Huffington Post and one from New York Magazine. The first decries the vilification of Hillary Clinton by many Bernie Sanders supporters (not, as the article responsibly pointed out, by Sanders himself). It sought to portray the two candidates as not so different in their ideals and beliefs, and that we should be supporting each other's choices for the nomination without casting aspersions at the other one.

It was met with some predictable responses from passionate Sanders supporters who think that Hillary represents more-of-the-same politics. I don't happen to agree, but I was heartened to see people, for the most part, arguing with facts and sources than with rhetoric and blinders. I followed that up with a well-timed piece outlining why, for what I believe are good reasons, Sanders would not make a good president. More back and forth ensured with a few different players, one of whom messaged me privately to say "thanks for keeping it clean and factual." I really took that compliment to heart. Therefore, with head held high, I present a few rules for online political debates:

1. Obviously, keep it clean and factual. That means a few things:
    
   • No name calling, no telling other people that they're wrong (even if you think they are).
   • Check your sources - don't spout "facts" without looking up where they come from, and make sure you know what you're talking about before you reference something. A little research goes a long way
     
     
2. Read before you respond. Then read again. Then respond. Then read what you wrote. Then post. 
   
   
   • Debating things online is a double edged sword - you get anonymity (depending on the forum - on Facebook, not so much), but you also get to edit things before you say them, and you also get to read what people are saying multiple times over. You don't get to do that while arguing in person. It's a luxury. Use it.
     
     
3. Emphasize sparingly, if at all.
   
   • Adding all-caps or italics to any post will lend a tone to what you're saying that you probably don't want. Most people feel strongly about their political beliefs - the passion is implied. Don't inadvertently sound condescending or pedantic because you're trying to make a point.
     
     
4. Respect. Respect. Respect.
   
   •  It's important to remember that most likely, whomever you're talking to feels as strongly as you do. If we come from a position of superiority, it's not likely to go well. You can state your positions and respond without belittling others. We'll both have lots more to say.

This is an election year, so I'm sure we'll all have lots more Facebook debating to do. I hope this helps everyone communicated effectively, if not come to an agreement. Happy Election Season, everyone!

 

SAM PERWIN Actor. Singer. Writer. Tall. www.samperwin.com
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