On the Flip Side: Perspective and Argumentation

https://paulmarsic.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/bikini-vs-burqa.jpg

          Arguments are all about perspective. We argue as a result of our opinions, our experiences, our beliefs which culminate into our perspective. This comic epitomizes the importance of perspective in argumentation. If we do not seek to understand others' perspectives, our arguments will be based on misinformation and assumptions. To the woman in the bikini, she sees her dress as her freedom and the burka as a societal hindrance of that freedom; however, on the flip side, the woman in the burka wears it our of respect for her family and herself but perceives the scantily clad woman to be yield to societal pressures to display her body for all to stare. Neither woman recognizes the perspective of the other nor do they acknowledge each other's perspectives and their legitimaticies. As a result, they will not approach an argument with each other with respect, seeking to understand. Instead, they appear to be judgmental about the other's situation and see the other as the one in need of help. This is not conducive to healthy argumentation about their cultures and practices. It is critical in argumentation to seek to understand and always look on the flip side in order to come together to find a solution and to understand.