Week 9,

Online Argument: Why the anti-lawn movement bugs me a little

Graphic made by me

Why did you choose this online argument:

I don't use FB, or twitter much so I decided to just find an article that has an argument that interests me. Chose this article because it offers a discussion on the environmental and landscaping debate. It goes beyond a simple pro/con argument, instead of taking an extreme stance, the author goes for a middle ground in the lawn-versus-no-lawn discussion. I’ve been thinking about talking to my family about replacing our lawn at home with native flowers, ornamentals, and fruits or vegetables. 

Concerns:

Incomplete Cost Analysis: 

The author critiques the anti-lawn movement as potentially classist, arguing that only certain people can afford to adopt a no-lawn lifestyle. However, their cost breakdownis weak. For instance, they calculate the cost of replacing a lawn with liriope but only account for the upfront cost of the plants. They completely overlook long-term savings on water, reduced maintenance, and the ecological benefits associated with alternative landscaping. 

Limited Environmental Perspective: 

The author passes over the bigger environmental issues tied to traditional lawns. While they mention problems like water waste and chemical runoff, they barely address larger impacts, such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and the carbon footprint of maintaining a grass lawn. 

Contradictions in Environmental Claims: 

The author claims to be environmentally conscious, saying they don’t use irrigation or chemicals. Yet, at the same time, they defend lawn culture, creating a clear contradiction. While they advocate for a "moderate" approach, they fail to fully acknowledge the significant environmental harm associated with traditional lawns. 

 

Five rule:

I’m not sure if the five rules are meant specifically for the argument we choose or if they are general rules. Since there is no back-and-forth in the argument I chose, at least in the main article, though there are some comments, I decided to focus on general rules for online arguments. 

1. Stay respectful: Treat the other person with dignity. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or name-calling. It is very easy in an online landscape to resort to insults due to anonymity. 
2. Listen/read carefully: Try to understand the other person's full point of view before responding. Ask clarifying questions if something isn’t clear. 
3. Use credible sources: When critiquing or making an argument, back it up with reliable evidence from reputable sources, not just personal opinions or rumors. 
4. Be open-minded: If presented with compelling evidence, be willing to change your views and admit when you might be wrong. 
5. Keep your emotions in check: This is closely tied to staying respectful. If your emotions aren’t managed calmly and rationally, it may lead to insults or attacks on a person’s character. Avoid getting angry or defensive, even if the topic is something you feel passionate about.
   

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