Saturday, September 4, 2010

The Argument Culture: Stopping America’s War of Words, by Deborah Tannen: 2-1/2 stars


The Argument Culture: Stopping America’s War of Words by Deborah Tannen

Preaching to the choir. Only she’s much less skeptical about the intentionality of it all, at least on certain levels, than I am.

And goodness, but so many words to say this. Repetitive and not really all that illuminating.

I know; I sound very critical, and after reading this book I should be more collaborative or supportive or what have you. I actually agree with much of what she says, which is why I shouldn't feel like I had to wade through all of that, like it was more of an obligation than a free pursuit.

I guess if you have no idea what she is talking about, or if your first response to the idea of America as being rife with antagonism is a reflexive denial or dismissal, then this is the book for you.

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