Posting Promises

Thanks to everyone who has been reading. I hope it's been bearable.

After some thinking, I've realized that one of my biggest goals in writing this blog is to promote understanding among my peers and myself. And I don't at all mean this in a condescending way, so let me explain. I often feel there exists a lot of divisiveness in the world: in the news where our country is depicted as vehemently split on a controversial issue (like abortion, coincidentally!), on talk radio where commentators throw disparaging and vacuous insults at members of an opposite political party, and in everyday life when people assume that those who disagree with them must be stupid (why else would they have opposing views?).

Disagreement is necessary and constructive, but it often leads to divisiveness that fuels unconstructive hostility and obscures the essence of the conflict, making progress all but impossible. I think this sort of divisiveness is so prevalent for a few reasons. It's difficult to understand other people's core values when they differ so fundamentally from one's own, and it's just as difficult to charitably evaluate an opponent's reasoned arguments on their merits. Meanwhile, it's much easier to stubbornly defend one's position merely for the sake of winning the debate than to admit misjudgment.

When I debate for my school, I debate to win. But when it comes down to things that matter and people that matter, I discuss these issues because I actually believe what I'm defending and want to learn what people I respect believe too. That way, I (and hopefully this goes for you too) can identify where the true disagreement lies, and, more often than not, come to the realization that there isn't much disagreement at all. That's the kind of understanding this blog is meant to promote--the kind that eradicates the divisiveness I so hate.

That said, I want to lay out some promises regarding this blog. I will always write honestly and avoid arguments I don't believe in or find convincing. And I will consider each reader's comments seriously, giving well-thought-out responses when appropriate. In doing so, I will do my best to keep an open mind and admit wrong when it is due.

Hopefully these guidelines for myself will help to foster an environment of trust, open discourse, and mutual respect. I'm truly grateful to have good friends who take the time to read this, and I hope to see more comments from you in the future!

-Jonathan