Still, make sense - not so much a generational thing as a social context thing.

But see, in college, I was not like this at all. It's possible it's a personality thing rather than a generational thing, but I was always willing to contradict a professor or another student being supported by a professor. I did well in school, so I doubt that I ever got knocked down for doing so. I was occasionally told, "it's well and fine to have your opinion, but when I give you your test you should know this is the answer I expect" but never without courtesy and in most cases, appreciation.

But it may have been just me.

There was one particular incident I'm thinking about where the professor was sort of playing devil's advocate, but the class didn't catch on and was all rah-rah about the position she was positing. And I was all, but you're all on crack and that is so wrongheaded and here is why and these are the supporting facts. And the teacher grinned at me and said she'd wondered when anyone would take an opposing position.

And I was never afraid to oppose after that.

So I dunno. Maybe it is generational.

Conformity vs non-conformity. I think that transcends generations.

FNL: OH MATT. OH SMASH. You are making me cry.

This animal won't be afraid to gnaw at the corpse of its former owner, come the revolution. Eager, even.

Well, plus often no one wants to be the FIRST to express a contrary opinion. Once the floodgates open...

Not even $60! It's for like $20. I'm willing to try it for $20! Or even $12. Cause the price is frame + lens!

Well, I have realllllly bad eyes, so I'd need the +$39 super thin lenses or whatever...but still like 1/8 the price glasses usually cost me. Very tempting.

Typo, I know when a speaker has given a very good presentation -- I can see that it's well-reasoned and supported by facts, and while I can say that there are concerns that they haven't addressed or considered properly that makes me have a different opinion -- I hesitate to assail the formidable edifice they've erected, since it's as much a matter of respect.

It's easy to heap immediate scorn on, say, a creationist or George W. Bush because the weakness of their arguments is immediately apparent, and it gives me a plethora of good hooks into expressing why I disagree with their stands.

Anyway, I'm hardly one of the 20-somethings whom you asked about. But given a good speaker with an authoritative presentation, I'm not surprised there was hesitation! But what is great is that you then engaged and drew out their concerns; that's more likely to convince your audience in the longer term.

One thing that I appreciate in an opposing argument is the willingness of the arguee to respect me and want to sway me instead of telling me how wrong I am.

ita - how was the dr? how is your leg?

kat - hope Noah feels much better today.

in fact, that goes for all the sickistas.

Sparky, are you going to share? Seriously, that boy was TALL.

DH is 6'something, and I'm 4'10. Stairs are our friends. But, from the perspective of our 15th year (meep), I can honestly say that I've never felt like there's much of a difference... except when I look at the photos. He makes me feel like we're the same height. All the time.

... let us say nothing about weight. Darn Swede and his freaking hollow leg.

Thai with Buffistas was excellent! I hope Brenda and her friend are enjoying the rest of their evening with Horton Foote.

We did indeed. I forgot how neat theatre in the round can be, and we were in exactly the right spot. Thanks!

I am so cranky I forgot to start no-knead bread last night! Hmph.