The word compromise is currently having a profound effect today in finding cooperation and negotiation among us. The concept has influenced negative feelings and behaviors in regard to the word compromise. In the article “Why is ‘Compromise’ Now a Dirty Word,” the author shows how the present impact on the skill of productive compromise is a lost art.
The author quotes House Speaker John Boehner, from his interview with 60 Minutes, as saying, “I reject the word,” (145) to show today’s consensus among most, of the word compromise. He continues on to use the expression, “they’re gonna sell me out,” (145) in reference to the way most Americans feel when they are discussing the word compromise. The article “Why is ‘Compromise’ Now a Dirty Word,” states, “a refusal to compromise, regardless of the practical consequence,” (145) shows that when one is fixated on the negativity of the meaning of the word there are penalties and that progression is obstructed due to one’s unwillingness to logically compromise. Political interference is included in a majority of the opinion that has affected the mindset of the acceptance or dismissal in the consideration of practical compromise today. The example of Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay, shows that reasonable thought of a compromise can display a vast accomplishment when willingness is entertained. Henry Clay was an exemplary model of heroic compromise. As the article “Why is ‘Compromise’ Now a Dirty Word,” recounts, “on three occasions,” (146) he found the median ground of agreement among differences and “averted civil war for at least a decade,” (146).
His respect for the relinquishments made for mutual negotiation had many refer to him as “the great compromiser,” (146). However, Clay’s powerful sentiments of compromise have been diminished by the recent notion of the very tools, concessions, politeness and courtesy, his skillful duties promised to deliver.In the article “Why is ‘Compromise’ Now a Dirty Word,” the author tells of Howell Heflin of Alabama as describing the bipartisanship’s abandonment of operations in the Senate and quoting J. James Exon of Nebraska as saying that, “all but swept aside the former preponderance of reasonable discussion,” (147) when describing his view of the electorate. The abusive concept of rejecting compromise has “made it impossible to do the work,” (147). The universal feeling among us today is “that compromising is selling out,” (147).
Rampant opinion is definitely in full display that the processes of reasonable compromise have all but vanished from our concept of successfulness. Even the very principles that have helped to construct our country and our values have perished. Information that is being construed in our media outlets as constant adversity and unwaveringness to agree, pinning many as enemies, and any compromise as being a sign of defeat is disgraceful. Compromising can be extremely important to life and relationships.
There are healthy and promising benefits to accommodating compromise. The art of compromise is to negotiate dutifully, passionately and skillfully to build strong foundations on which we can continue to stand, agreeing to disagree.
