Respectful Disagreement

Introduction

VIDEO 1 – Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsberg’s Lasting Friendship

VIDEO 2 – Justice Ginsburg’s Eulogy at Justice Scalia’s Memorial

Think of the last time someone disagreed with you.

• How did the disagreement make you feel?
• Do you think the other person heard what you were saying?
• Do you think the other person understood what you were saying?
• Did you feel heard?
• Did you feel respected? If not, how did their lack of respect persuade you? Did it help their case?

What are some ways we can show respect?

• Ask questions.
• Restate the other person’s argument.
• Acknowledge the other person’s feelings.
• Find something praiseworthy in the other argument.
• Draw attention to the points on which you both agree.
• Admit to weaknesses in your own argument.
• Than the other person for sharing his or her opinion.
• Why do you think there is so much disrespectful disagreement on the internet?

Respectful Disagreement in CAP

WHEN WE ARE DEBATING AN ISSUE, LOYALTY MEANS GIVING ME YOUR HONEST OPINION, WHETHER YOU THINK I’LL LIKE IT OR NOT. DISAGREEMENT, AT THIS STATE, STIMULATES ME. BUT ONCE A DECISION IS MADE, THE DEBATE ENDS. FROM THAT POINT ON, LOYALTY MEANS EXECUTING THE DECISION AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN. – General Colin Powell

• What is the best way to disagree with someone in authority?
• What is the best way to disagree with a peer?
• What is the best way to disagree with a subordinate?
• Are there times when it is inappropriate to disagree?

Story 1: Daily Kos – Block Birthday Party

Story 2: Town Hall – New Media Bias

Questions to ask ourselves

• How does the author feel?
• What does the author think or believe that contributes to his feelings?
• What does the author need or want?
• What are the author’s best points?
• How would you summarize the author’s position without the inflammatory rhetoric?