Talking about controversial issues
Controversial issues are topics, issues—or matters—that people often disagree on. These topics are difficult to talk about—especially when friends or family members have different or opposite opinions and viewpoints. This chapter suggests some ways to talk about our different ideas. At the end of the chapter there is a list of some common controversial topics—to help you practice talking about the ones that are most important to you.
Conversation: Living with a vegan daughter
MIGUEL: Say, John, I heard that your daughter has decided to follow a strictly vegan diet. How do you feel about this?
JOHN: Well, I was upset about it at first, but she’s fourteen now, and feels strongly about not wanting to cause harm to animals. She’s a real animal lover—she’s even thinking about studying to be a veterinarian one day. She believes that animals love life and fear death.
MIGUEL: But isn’t it true that vegans don’t eat dairy or other animal products either? I don’t see how using their products hurts the animals.
JOHN: She maintains that the egg and dairy industries cause immense suffering and death as well.
MIGUEL: But aren’t you worried that she’s not getting enough protein and calcium?
JOHN: To be sure, it’s a challenge. She spends a lot of time reading labels and looking for plant-based solutions for all the nutrients she needs. It does seem unnatural to a lot of people in our society. But she’s serious about this, and I support her.
MIGUEL: How does this affect the rest of the family? It seems unfortunate to me if the other kids feel guilty about having pizza—or a birthday cake!
JOHN: If that happens, we will do everything we can to put a stop to it. Since this is her personal decision, she is the only one who should suffer—or benefit from—the consequences.
MIGUEL: How would you feel if she stopped going to parties—or even if her friends stopped inviting her to join them—because she can’t eat what’s being served?
JOHN: If that happened, of course I would be upset; I would find out how she feels about it, and also point out the social consequences to her. Then we could hopefully come up with a solution. I wouldn’t mind inviting all her friends over—and serving them traditional food! But we could also include ‘tastes’ of vegan food to show them that it’s not really scary.
MIGUEL: I can’t believe that you are allowing your own daughter to follow this drastic diet! If I were you, I would encourage her to wait until she’s at least eighteen.
JOHN: Well, we do believe that eating vegetables is good for your health, and we’re passionate about protecting the environment, too. Keep in mind that veganism is becoming more and more popular everywhere and there is scientific evidence that it can improve your health. Plus, there are more and more vegan products on the market every day.
Improving your conversation
Starting a discussion
It’s a good idea to find out the opinion of the person you are talking to before offering your own opinion. Here are some ways to begin:
How do you feel about [an issue]?
What do you think of [an issue]?
Do you believe that [statement about issue] is true/fair?
Here are some examples that use these structures:
How do you feel about veganism/trash pollution?
What do you think about vegetarianism/climate change?
Do you believe that avoiding meat/recycling is a good idea?
Stating your position
To give your own opinion on a topic, you could say:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
I think that protecting the environment is our most important issue.
I feel strongly that drastic measures need to be taken to reduce our trash.
It seems to me that we must change our habits.
I maintain that all packaging should be sustainable.
To state that you are not concerned about a topic, you could say:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
I have no interest in talking about trash; it’s the city’s problem.
I don’t want to talk about recycling because it isn’t effective.
I really don’t want to talk about veganism because it’s a personal issue.
Having a firm opinion about:
You could also use one of the following expressions to describe your feelings about a topic:
Not having a firm opinion about:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
Some of my friends are wishy-washy about recycling, but others are passionate about it.
I’m serious about wanting to help clean up the planet.
Our representative is too conservative on environmental issues.
She is too liberal on banning all pesticides.
Expressing your reaction to someone’s statement
Here are some ways to agree—or disagree—with something someone else has said:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
I can’t believe that you don’t eat ice cream!
I like that you are thinking about this issue.
I love that children are learning at school to care about the environment.
I hate that we are still using styrofoam in our packaging!
Positive reactions:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
It’s a relief that the government is finally doing something about this.
It’s exciting that progress is being made.
It’s promising that young people are working on solutions.
It’s encouraging that so many countries are taking this issue seriously.
It’s wonderful that we are getting rid of plastic straws.
Negative reactions:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
It’s disturbing that so many people don’t even care about this.
It’s ridiculous that unsustainable products are still being manufactured.
It’s unfair that we can’t just throw everything in the trash.
Some strong ways to react to someone else’s opinion:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
I don’t see how you can believe that this isn’t fair.
I don’t know how you can allow her to do this.
I don’t understand how you can support that idea.
Continuing the discussion
One way to continue discussing a topic is to ask a direct question:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
Is it true that plastic straws in the waterways are killing turtles and birds?
Do you agree that more work has to be done?
Do you think it’s important that our trash is polluting the waterways?
To make your position stronger, make these questions negative. This is a tricky way to make your opinion seem more logical!
These are some examples:
Isn’t it true that plastic straws in the waterways are killing turtles and birds?
Don’t you agree that we need to do something about this?
Don’t you think it’s important to return plastic bags to the stores?
To answer this kind of question you could say:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
It’s unfortunate that people are wishy-washy about protecting the environment, but it’s also true that recycling alone doesn’t solve the problem.
It’s obvious that we all need to make an effort, but it’s also true that we need stricter manufacturing laws.
It’s true that we must respect our children’s opinions, but it’s also true that we must make sure they are healthy.
Talking about future possibilities
Many controversial issues involve making changes in the future. Here are some ways to discuss them.
Do you think that [proposed solution to issue] is ___________?
optimistic (positive) opinions
possible
practicable/viable
productive
worthwhile
Don’t you think that [proposed solution to issue] is ___________?
pessimistic (negative) opinions
impossible
too expensive/too time-consuming/too unpopular
counterproductive
a waste of time/a waste of money/a waste of effort
Here are some examples that use these structures:
Do you think that changing laws to protect the environment is practicable?
Don’t you think that trying to educate our community is a waste of time?
likely change
To ask someone’s reaction to a change that is likely: (probable/expected),
use will + if/when + a verb in the present tense:
How will you feel if/when [an expected change occurs?]
What will you do if/when [an expected change occurs?]
Here are some examples that use these structures:
How will you feel if they ban plastic bags?
What will you do when the grocery stores don’t supply plastic bags?
And to answer these questions, you could say:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
If they ban plastic bags, I will be relieved.
If that happens, I will accept it, and take my own bags to the grocery store.
unlikely change
To ask someone’s reaction to a change that is unlikely: (possible, but not probable),
use would + if + verb in subjunctive (past tense form):
How would you feel if [an unlikely change occurred]?
Here are some examples that use this structure:
How would you feel if your son decided to be vegetarian?
How would you feel if the county stopped collecting the trash?
Answers to these questions could be:
You could also ask:
What would you do if that [unlikely occurrence] happened?
Here are some examples that use this structure:
If they stopped recycling glass bottles, I would be angry.
If that happened, I would complain.
Expressing hope for future action
To state your opinion about what should happen in the future, you could say:
Here are some examples that use these structures:
We must make sure that better packaging is developed.
I hope that plastic bags are banned.
It is vital that we listen to the scientists.
Expressions that can strengthen your argument
even
Adding even before an item can make it seem surprising or exceptional.
All the people in my neighborhood, even 92-year-old Mrs. Andrews, takes their empty glass bottles to the recycling station.
She even carries the heavy bottles herself.
Putting not even before an item can make it seem inexcusable.
She doesn’t even worry that her children eat junk food.
My roommate doesn’t even pay attention to the recycling bins.
Don’t you even know what scientists are predicting?
own
Adding own before a possessive makes its object more personal and more important.
The politician says he cares about the environment, but his own company is a big polluter.
Parents need to consider their own habits if they expect their children to have good ones.
to be sure
Adding to be sure to a statement can make others feel that you understand their position.
To be sure, it’s a lot easier to just throw everything in the trash and send it to the landfill.
do
Usually do and does are usually used for forming questions and negatives, but adding them to a positive statement can be used to correct someone else’s impression.
A: But you don’t even believe we should try to save the planet!
B: I do believe we should try, I just think we need to take a different approach.
Ending a discussion
To end a discussion, you might use any of the following expressions:
I’m glad we could talk about this.
Let’s talk about this again later.
Let me know when we can discuss this again.
Here are some other useful ways to end a difficult conversation:
Compromise
Compromise is a position that takes both sides of an argument into account. This can also be called a happy medium.
Let’s try to reach a compromise: I’ll accept some of your arguments, and you accept some of mine.
To compromise
To compromise means to reach a compromise/to reach a happy medium.
We have decided to compromise and make some changes that she wants, and some changes that I want.
The committee has reached a happy medium, and both sides are satisfied.
To clear the air
To clear the air means to frankly state the opinions of all opposing sides on an issue.
We didn’t solve the problem, but at least we cleared the air, and now we can try to work out a solution.
To see eye to eye
To see eye to eye means to agree; to have the same opinion
To keep in mind
To keep in mind means to not forget; to consider.
It’s clear that we don’t see eye to eye on this topic, but let’s keep the facts in mind and try to find a solution.
Keep in mind
Earlier chapters in this book introduce words and expressions that can be used in a controversial conversation. Review these when you are planning your discussion:
Common controversial issues
Here is a list of topics that are often the source of controversy, and relevant vocabulary.
The Climate
climate change
global warming
natural disasters
Globalization
international trade
immigration and borders
Poverty
hunger/famine
squalid conditions
Crime and Punishment
criminal justice
racial profiling
white-collar crime
corruption
prison reform
rape
drugs
Government
politics
elections
the electoral college
gerrymandering
dictatorship
democracy
socialism
fascism
communism
justice
The media and communications
truth
lies
the internet
fake news
rumors
viral stories and videos
social media
telephones
newspapers
magazines
Technology
big brother
privacy
artificial intelligence
robots
Business and Employment
wages
taxes
time off
ethics
Social issues
racism
discrimination
diversity
sexual orientation and gender identity
ethnicity
religious practices
abortion
women’s rights
domestic abuse
#me too
reparations for slavery
cigarettes and e-cigarettes
alcohol
marijuana
City problems
crime
slums
pollution
traffic
infrastructure
development
gentrification
Health and health care
opioid abuse
drug prices
health insurance
healthy lifestyles
diet
vegetarianism
veganism
pescatarianism
exercise
The military
war
the draft
Guns and ammunition
mass shooting
machine guns
military weapons
the second amendment
gun control
Education
funding for
computers
the arts
sports
literacy
language immersion
What are you passionate about? What matters most to you? Add your own issues to this list!
Circle the item that does not fit with the other items.
1. a. to be angry about
b. to be concerned about
c. to be wishy-washy about
d. to be worried about
2. a. to be serious about
b. to be ignorant of
c. to be on the fence about
d. to not be interested in
3. a. to be passionate about
b. to be non-committal on
c. to be concerned about
d. to be committed to
4. a. to be upset about
b. to be serious about
c. to be angry about
d. to not care about
5. a. to be liberal on
b. to be conservative on
c. to not be interested in
d. to be concerned about
Write P in the space by each positive reaction; write N in the space by each negative reaction.
1. _____ a relief
2. _____ disturbing
3. _____ encouraging
4. _____ exciting
5. _____ unnatural
6. _____ fair
7. _____ horrible
8. _____ promising
9. _____ scary
10. _____ wonderful
11. _____ disgusting
12. _____ good
13. _____ ridiculous
14. _____ unfair
15. _____ unfortunate
Make each of the questions negative to form a more convincing argument for your case.
1. Do you agree that this is a problem?
________________________________________________________________
2. Is it true that our local government is corrupt?
________________________________________________________________
3. Do you think we need to discuss this further?
________________________________________________________________
4. Would you like to study this issue in depth?
________________________________________________________________
5. Could you try to see my point of view?
________________________________________________________________
6. Do you even care about this matter?
________________________________________________________________
Combine each set of sentences into one sentence by adding but it’s also true that.
Example: It’s great that our roads are improved, but it’s also true that our taxes are higher.
1. It’s unfortunate that more people don’t recycle. The county program isn’t very efficient.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
2. It’s unconscionable that she doesn’t protect her own children. She needs help with her addiction problem.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. It’s horrible that so many people don’t vote. They don’t think their vote counts.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
4. It’s a shame that she didn’t run for office. She has a lot of responsibilities at home.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
5. It’s great that more and more people are following a healthy diet. Junk food is still very popular.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Write a sentence beginning with If for each item. Indicate that it is likely to happen, followed by your probable reaction.
Example: He will win the tennis match. If he wins, I will be very happy.
1. Your classes will begin at 9 a.m.
________________________________________________________________
2. The government will provide free health care for everyone.
________________________________________________________________
3. Local teachers will earn an average of $150,000 a year.
________________________________________________________________
4. Your favorite music group will give a concert in your home town.
________________________________________________________________
5. Your team will win the tournament.
________________________________________________________________
Write a sentence beginning with If for each item. Indicate that it is not likely to happen, followed by your probable reaction.
Example: He will win the tennis match. If he won, I would be very happy.
1. Your classes will begin at 9 a.m.
________________________________________________________________
2. The government will provide free health care for everyone.
________________________________________________________________
3. Local teachers will earn an average of $150,000 a year.
________________________________________________________________
4. Your favorite music group will give a concert in your home town.
________________________________________________________________
5. Your team will win the tournament.
________________________________________________________________
Use do or does to indicate that an accusation is not true.
Example: You don’t study. I do study!
1. Your son doesn’t practice his violin.
________________________________________________________________
2. She doesn’t have a job.
________________________________________________________________
3. You don’t care about the environment.
________________________________________________________________
4. We don’t work hard enough.
________________________________________________________________
5. He doesn’t drive too fast.
________________________________________________________________
Choose a controversial topic that you feel strongly about. Fill in the blanks to express your feelings on this issue.
I feel strongly about ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
In fact, it seems to me that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
On the other hand, I have no interest in ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I can’t believe that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I love that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I hate that___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
It’s encouraging that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
It’s disturbing that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
If ___________________________________________ , I will
________________________________________________________________
If ___________________________________________ , I would
________________________________________________________________
To be sure, some people don’t even care about ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I hope that ___________________________________________
________________________________________________________________