Post 2: Strak's e-letter

Strak's review shows main arguments put forward by Deborah Tannen. In this discussion Stark talks about America's aggressive way of thinking. He points out that many Americans are taught from a young age to "stand up for yourself", which has lead to people "sticking to their guns" and not allowing themselves hear the other side of the argument. This type of mentality, as Stark points out, can be very negative towards establishing common ground and arriving at a compromise in an argument. America loves its winners, making people think only of wining, but at what cost? Stark also points out in his review that women have become more aggressive in the business world trying to survive in a male competitive world, in turn transferring that aggressive behavior to their kids. I personally, don't believe there's nothing wrong with being aggressive, until you start clouding your thoughts and judgement, and not wanting to even hear the other side, as if it was evil. Politics is a big arena where polarized thoughts are seen with immense intensity. Having only two political parties makes a great recipe for this kind of polarized thinking, since you can easily pick out your enemy. having multiple political parties makes for an exemplar democracy, where different beliefs can be discussed and applied to help maintain balance and fairness within a government. however, when you have two parties unwilling to listen to each other, because one is pulling too far right and the other too far left, then you are left with disorder and a government that is malfunctioning because no one is willing to listen.

I see myself as someone who is always willing to listen to other people's opinion. Of course that doesn't mean that I see eye to eye with everybody. I believe that in order to learn we need to close our mouth and open our ears, and that means listening to what others have to say. you can learn something new, or see an argument in a different light. You don't have to agree with everyone, but you can try and put yourself in their shoes and see where they are coming from. this way you can at least look at both sides and judge fairly and come to a compromise where the majority benefits.