Iowa State University Extension

Extension to Communities

Anatomy of a Controversial Issue

Concern ---> Problem ---> Values or Beliefs ---> Goal

Different values and beliefs ---> Different Goals ---> Controversy

If action is to be taken on a controversial issue, there must be concern.

Concern translates into a problem.

A problem is a gap between the way things are and the way we want them to be.

The way we want things to be is defined as a goal.

Controversy arises when people have different goals.

Goals are driven by:

  1. Values - the way things ought to be

  2. Beliefs - the way things actually are

Beliefs are based on:
  1. Facts - accurate information
  2. Myths - inaccurate information

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last updated Thursday March 01 2001