6

Because of the in-your-face kind of arguing in blogs and on talk shows, you may associate arguing to support your position on a controversial issue with quarreling. Although this kind of “argument” lets people vent strong feelings, it seldom leads them to consider seriously other points of view or to think critically about their own reasons or underlying values. A more thoughtful, deliberative kind of position argument, one that depends on a critical analysis of an issue, on giving logical reasons rather than raising voices, is more likely to convince others in the workplace, in the community, and especially in college courses to accept—or even to take seriously—a controversial position.

IN COLLEGE COURSES

For a law and society course, a student writes an essay analyzing racial discrepancies in sentencing, especially in death-penalty cases. She cites studies that have found, surprisingly, that the race of the murder victim, not the perpetrator, is the crucial factor: If the victim is white, the defendant is more likely to receive the death sentence. Based on her research, she argues that the main reason for this disparity is due not to the decision of the jury but to the decision of prosecutors who seek the death penalty more often when the murder victim is white. She concludes that although there is no evidence that sentencing decisions are racially discriminatory, outcomes often are, and this fact makes people think the justice system is unjust.

IN THE COMMUNITY

In an open letter, a group of parents asks the school board to institute a Peacemakers program at the local middle school. The group’s impassioned letter begins with anecdotal reports of bullying at the school to underscore the need for action and to appeal to board members’ compassion. It then describes the Peacemakers program and details the negotiation procedure children are taught. It acknowledges that the program will add to the school’s budget, but it claims that the negotiation skills the children will learn will help them now and throughout their lives.

IN THE WORKPLACE

At a business conference, a consultant makes a presentation arguing that adopting sustainable business practices is good for business. He displays poll results showing that two-thirds of businesses see sustainability as a necessity to compete in the global marketplace—up more than 50 percent from the previous year—and that a third increased profits as a direct result of their sustainability efforts. Citing several examples, he shows how companies can develop a strategic sustainability plan such as by changing performance reviews or compensation packages to reward employees who implement sustainability practices and achieve goals. He concludes by urging audience members to log on to his blog to read inspiring examples and to add their own.

In this chapter, we ask you to write about your position on a controversial issue for the purpose of convincing readers to adopt your point of view or at least to consider it seriously. Analyzing the selections in the Guide to Reading that follows, you will learn how writers engage their readers’ attention and make a compelling argument. As you read, consider whether visuals would help readers more fully grasp the issue or accept the position.