Debate vs Discussion

Framing societal problems as DEBATES = NO SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS

DEBATE = ADVERSARIAL, people choose sides, one side looses, people focus on each other as the problem even when people on both sides actually want to solve the issue

DEBATE = POLITICIANS WIN when people choose sides, they use emotional upset to manipulate people. Hint: they are incentivized on both sides to not solve the problem

DEBATE = NEWS & SOCIAL MEDIA WIN when emotionally charged debates draw engagement they make money. Hint: they are incentivized to create division

DEBATE = PEOPLE LOSE as no solutions can get widespread support

Framing societal problems as DISCUSSIONS = opportunity for lasting SOLUTIONS

DISCUSS = CRITICAL THINKING, problems may be complex, with multiple contributing factors that may not always be obvious

DISCUSS = CREATIVE THINKING, multiple solutions to each problem may exist, and each solution may vary in efficacy & costs (both monetary & social costs), levels of widespread acceptance, etc

DISCUSS = COOPERATION, we have common purpose to solving the problem, we can strongly disagree about the best solutions without making those we disagree with “bad people”, we can debate the merits and costs of different solutions without having to be loyal to our “side”, we are allowed to disagree and still compromise without “losing”, sometimes the realistic solution no one is particularly happy about.

DISCUSS = SOLUTIONS, opportunity to look at solutions beyond the immediate problem by addressing contributing factors and causes rather than just the immediate problem, finding solutions that could get widespread acceptance with minimal cost that can be quickly implemented (even if they reduce the societal problem by 10-20-30%, it is a step in the right direction and can be done now in cooperation to better the problem).

DISCUSS = PEOPLE WIN, making things even a little better for society has lasting effects. Rather than perfection, we can strive for better, and like every relationship, we must compromise on courses of action without compromising on our values.