Harmony vs. Truth

In the reading by McKinnon, I was really intrigued by the section entitled "truth." I wasn't expecting the commentary about Jewish people, so the section really caught my attention. When the author began questioning her disingenuousness, I realized that I too, sometimes pretend to be more interested in a conversation than I actually am when the person discussing it is saying something I don't agree with. Her quote, "Seeking to understand what I had already deemed unreasonable and sometimes even racist, I was always pretending to be more open to them than I could ever have been," (McKinnon et al. 4) really stuck out to me. I think of different times that I have pretended that I am more open about something than I really am in order to prevent conflict. 

One of the examples that came to my head was a conversation I had with someone I worked with this summer. My coworker was talking about their political beliefs very outwardly, which is something that I typically try to refrain from. They were talking about their thoughts on covid and the vaccine that I did not particularly agree with. I knew at the time that I didn't agree with what they were saying, but it also did not feel like a necessary time or place for me to try and argue with them. I chose to keep the relationship peaceful rather than create a possible conflict or tension in the work environment. Looking back, I think of a phrase my coach says often: "Truth over harmony." This mantra is her own way of saying that honesty is more important than trying to protect a relationship. Although I think sometimes this saying might not be applicable to all things (and that it can lead to some pretty bold comments), as a general rule, I think it is a good idea to consider. I look back and wonder if my feigned interest in the politics conversation with my coworker was worth the "harmony" that remained. I guess in this particular example, I will never know the answer to that "what if" but I do think that it is good food for thought when I find myself in a similar situation. 

My questions for readers: Can you think of any personal examples of when you pretended to be interested in a conversation rather than arguing in order to keep the peace? What are your thoughts on my coach's rule - "truth over harmony"? Do you think that this idea of "truth over harmony" is a good rule to follow?

McKinnon, Sara L., et al. “Rhetoric and Ethics Revisited.” Cultural Studies ↔ Critical Methodologies, vol. 16, no. 6, 2016, pp. 560–70. Crossref, doi:10.1177/1532708616659080.