Countering

Upon coming across the title of this chapter, I thought Harris would show us literary techniques to disprove or argue an idea. However, countering is a technique in which the writer introduces a new idea into conversation and uses this idea to convey their point. Countering is not a technique used to bash or debate an issue, rather it is a technique used to, “respond to prior views in ways that move the conversation in new directions.” (Harris, 56)

Harris presents countering in three different ways. First, a writer can “argue the other side” by first presenting text’s side of the argument and then follow that up by presenting the other side of that issue being discussed in the text. By “uncovering values,” a writer recognizes concepts or ideas that an author failed bring up or acknowledge in their text. When “dissenting,” the writer argues against a thought that was presented in another text.

I like how Harris defines countering. It often recognizes both sides of the argument and by doing so it shows the audience that one point is much stronger than its countering point. This method does not directly insult a piece of writing, however it uses reasoning to disprove an argument. It makes it feel more like a conversation and I feel like it can help eliminate some a bias in a text.  

In the Green section of The Huffington post, you can definitely see “countering” being used in a few of the articles. It is most prevalent in the political articles related to green issues. An article of this nature will often begin by presenting a popular belief of the climate or of something green related, and then refute it with new evidence or bills that are being introduced.