Life is full of insignificant rivalries. Everyone has opinions about meaningless topics. These opinions usually are concealed under a blanket of indifference, but occasionally surface when a person is exposed to a view opposite their own.
For example, I cannot help but pull for PC Guy in Mac commercials because he is habitually mocked by overconfident Mac Guy. I eventually realize that my frustration is unwarranted because PC Guy is part of the joke.
Do I really possess immense animosity toward Apple computers? Of course not. I am capable of using both brands with ease. But I have been a PC user all my life and have no intentions of purchasing a Mac anytime soon.
Cold beverages can also raise heated debates. Sometimes ordering a Coke at a restaurant earns the infamous response, “Is Pepsi alright?” When confronted by these words, I immediately change my order to water.
Would drinking Pepsi kill me? No, but I like to think it would. I argue my case with Pepsi proponents for a few minutes. Then a third party often steps in and chirps, “Pop is bad for you.” This usually kills the debate.
I have told people that I chose Ohio State because it is sponsored by Coca-Cola. This, of course, is ridiculous. I came to OSU because of the football and basketball programs. Having Coca-Cola was just additional icing.
These debates, though trivial, make life interesting and can add spice to an otherwise dull conversation. They are everywhere.
What is more realistic? Harry Potter or Twilight.
Generally, who are more preferable? Blondes, brunettes or redheads.
Should toilet paper dispense from the top or bottom of the roll?
Is Fergie attractive or ugly? You would be amazed at how heated these debates can get.
Some in the “Can’t we all just get along?” crowd might call these conversations childish bickering. However, they are missing the point. People engage in pointless debates not because they are important, but because they are fun.
These discussions can spring up unannounced. Often, they are a suitable substitute for lame dialogue. At the time, they seem like important issues that are pressing our contemporary world. Most often they are merely indications of having too much free time.
Other debates revolve around car preference, political ideologies and sports teams. But these usually involve at least a little bit of thought. But 90 percent of arguments serve no purpose, solve no problems and secure no precedents.
So will we ever come to our senses, realize the silliness of these arguments and settle our differences? I sure hope not.
