Why We Argue

When American leftists disagree with one another, good things can happen. Democratic socialists exposed the lies and brutalities of Stalinists; feminists called out the hypocrisy of radical men who thought only they were born to be leaders; black unionists compelled the labor movement to support civil rights; gay and lesbian activists made homophobes who feared “alienating the working class” look foolish. By arguing, they honed their ideas and learned how to convince others to share them. Of course, good arguments can also descend into sectarian, egotistical squabbles. But a left that doesn’t relish arguing with itself is a left that’s not prepared to change the world. No progress occurs without contention.