How to Curb Negativity: A Comparison of Two Approaches and Their Effects

How to Curb Negativity: Two Approaches and Their Effects

Negativity is a pervasive and harmful phenomenon that affects individuals, relationships, families, societies, countries, and the world. It can manifest in various forms, such as anger, hatred, fear, anxiety, depression, violence, corruption, injustice, discrimination, and so on. Negativity can impair one’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, as well as damage interpersonal and social harmony, peace, and progress.

How can we curb negativity and promote positivity in ourselves and others? There are two main approaches that people often adopt, either consciously or unconsciously, to deal with negativity. These are:

The confrontational approach: This approach involves highlighting negativity, talking about it in length, creating an atmosphere to fight against it, and keep doing it repeatedly. The aim of this approach is to expose, challenge, and eliminate negativity by raising awareness, expressing dissatisfaction, and taking action.
The constructive approach: This approach involves building an atmosphere where negativity is neither highlighted nor discussed. Rather, without touching it, one makes oneself, family, society, country, world so strong in positivity that the negativity automatically becomes negligible. The aim of this approach is to foster, enhance, and spread positivity by focusing on the positive aspects, expressing gratitude, and taking responsibility.
Both approaches have their merits and demerits, and their effects may vary depending on the context, the intensity, and the duration of the negativity. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each approach, and provide some examples of how they have been applied in different situations.

The Confrontational Approach
The confrontational approach is based on the assumption that negativity can be reduced or eliminated by confronting it head-on. This approach can be useful when the negativity is clear, concrete, and urgent, and when there is a need to raise awareness, mobilize support, and demand change. For example, when there is a case of human rights violation, environmental degradation, or social injustice, the confrontational approach can help to expose the problem, generate public outrage, and pressure the authorities to take action.

However, the confrontational approach also has some drawbacks and limitations. First, it can be counterproductive when the negativity is vague, abstract, or chronic, and when there is no clear solution or consensus. For example, when there is a general sense of dissatisfaction, anxiety, or pessimism in oneself or in society, the confrontational approach can only amplify the negative emotions, create more conflict, and deepen the divide. Second, it can be exhausting and stressful when the negativity is persistent, overwhelming, or beyond one’s control. For example, when there is a situation of war, violence, or oppression, the confrontational approach can expose one to more danger, trauma, and helplessness. Third, it can be ineffective and futile when the negativity is ingrained, widespread, or powerful. For example, when there is a system of corruption, discrimination, or exploitation, the confrontational approach can face resistance, backlash, and repression.

Therefore, the confrontational approach can be beneficial or harmful depending on the nature and extent of the negativity, and the availability and feasibility of the alternatives. It can be a powerful tool for social change, but it can also be a source of more negativity.

The confrontational approach is a way of dealing with negativity by highlighting it, talking about it, and fighting against it. Some real-life examples of the confrontational approach are:

Protests and social movements: People who are dissatisfied with the status quo or face oppression and injustice may use the confrontational approach to voice their grievances, demand change, and challenge the authorities. For example, the Occupy Wall Street movement, the Me-too movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement are examples of social movements that use the confrontational approach to expose and fight against economic, gender, and racial inequality.

Lawsuits and legal actions: People who are wronged or harmed by others may use the confrontational approach to seek justice, compensation, and accountability. For example, the Proposition 8 law in California, which banned same-sex marriage, was challenged and overturned by a series of lawsuits and legal actions by the supporters of gay rights.

Wars and conflicts: Countries or groups that have disputes or interests over resources, territories, ideologies, or security may use the confrontational approach to assert their power, defend their rights, and achieve their goals. For example, World War II and the Cuban Missile Crisis are examples of wars and conflicts that involved the confrontational approach between different nations and alliances.

These are some of the real-life examples of the confrontational approach. However, this approach may not always be effective or desirable, as it can also lead to more negativity, violence, and destruction.

Therefore, it is important to consider the alternatives and consequences of using the confrontational approach in different situations.

The Constructive Approach
The constructive approach is based on the assumption that negativity can be reduced or eliminated by enhancing positivity. This approach can be useful when the negativity is subtle, complex, or long-term, and when there is a need to cultivate awareness, generate support, and create change. For example, when there is a case of low self-esteem, poor communication, or lack of cooperation, the constructive approach can help to improve one’s confidence, skills, and relationships.

However, the constructive approach also has some drawbacks and limitations. First, it can be unrealistic and naive when the negativity is obvious, serious, or immediate, and when there is a need to acknowledge, address, and resolve it. For example, when there is a case of abuse, illness, or crisis, the constructive approach can lead to denial, avoidance, and complacency. Second, it can be challenging and demanding when the negativity is strong, pervasive, or influential, and when there is a need to resist, challenge, and transform it. For example, when there is a situation of injustice, oppression, or violence, the constructive approach can require courage, perseverance, and sacrifice. Third, it can be ineffective and futile when the negativity is dominant, entrenched, or resistant, and when there is a need to expose, confront, and eliminate it. For example, when there is a system of tyranny, exploitation, or corruption, the constructive approach can face indifference, hostility, and suppression.

Therefore, the constructive approach can be beneficial or harmful depending on the nature and extent of the negativity, and the availability and feasibility of the alternatives. It can be a powerful tool for personal growth, but it can also be a source of more negativity.

The constructive approach is a way of dealing with negativity by enhancing positivity. Some real-life examples of the constructive approach are:

Constructive play: Children who engage in constructive play use their imagination, creativity, and problem-solving skills to create something new or meaningful. For example, building sand castles, blanket forts, lego structures, or clay models are examples of constructive play.

Constructive feedback: People who give or receive constructive feedback use it as an opportunity to learn, improve, and grow. For example, managers who provide constructive feedback to their employees help them to achieve their professional goals and enhance their performance.

Constructive learning: Learners who adopt a constructive learning approach actively construct their own knowledge and understanding by integrating new information and experiences with their prior knowledge and experiences. For example, students who participate in inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, cooperative learning, or reciprocal teaching/learning are examples of constructive learners.

These are some of the real-life examples of the constructive approach. However, this approach may not always be effective or desirable, as it can also ignore or avoid the reality of negativity. Therefore, it is important to consider the alternatives and consequences of using the constructive approach in different situations ations.

Conclusion
In conclusion, there are two ways of curbing negativity within, in a relationship, in family, in society, in the country, and in the world: the confrontational approach and the constructive approach. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and their effects may vary depending on the situation. The best approach may depend on a number of factors, such as the type, level, and duration of the negativity, the goals, values, and preferences of the people involved, and the resources, opportunities, and constraints available. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of each approach, and to choose the most appropriate one for each case. Alternatively, one may also combine or balance the two approaches, depending on the circumstances. The ultimate aim is to curb negativity and promote positivity in oneself and others, and to create a better world for everyone.