“The ‘Other Side’ Is Not Dumb” Summary
“The Other Side Is Not Dumb” by Sean Blanda talks about other people’s way of thinking may not be wrong. He begs the reader to evaluate themselves and carry out a determination of their own views on subjects which are hot. Blanda establishes creditability of the author by giving a statement that in “Psychology, the false consensus basis” is the idea that everyone is like us. He believes that they should think for themselves and they should be themselves. He asks them to review the opposing views of others. He got the credibility by using the “Psychology” statement, giving the reader an impression of the expertise in that field.
His argument makes the readers have a feeling that a slight difference in opinion will make them ignorant. He said about the reader to become angry by being a “Smug Asshole” for not seeing an alternative point of view. He appeals to readers by asking a few questions, such as "Who is the person watching these NCIS?" He asks the reader to do a comparison of themselves with those who watch a particular show to see if they have any similar idea. He attempts to have the reader look at different points of view.
Later in the article, he logically states that what is emerging is the worst kind of echo chamber, where everyone shares their view of the world. He received another picture from a biased news agency poll across the country showing the percentage of people who were angry at an article in a news report. His aim is to legitimize the notion that the article accurately represents a part of the population.
Sean Blanda uses kairos in the end of his article to prove that the article is still relevant in our social communication mediums. Blanda makes the reader aware “The next time you’re in a discussion with someone you disagree with: don’t try to win or to convince anyone of your viewpoint”.
Work Cited
Blanda, Sean. “The ‘Other Side’ Is Not Dumb.” Medium, 7 Jan 2016 medium.com/@SeanBlanda/the-other-side-is-not-dumb-2670c1294063.