Individuation (Countering)

“In forwarding a text, you extend its uses; in countering a text, you note its limits.”

"While forwarding aligns, countering individuates."

Countering is a response. It is an analysis of sorts that in turn leads to the development of a "new line of thinking." When countering, the writer pays much closer attention to the nitty gritty aspects of the text such as the structure and phrasing. The writer is not so much focused on connecting his or her view with that of the text, but rather to separate the views (Harris, 57). Writers use their critique to develop a position of their own. In Rewriting, Harris earlier discussed the topic of "coming to terms" with a text. Coming to terms with a text is "a necessary prelude to countering it" (Harris, 67). 

The three main methods of creating this “critical distance” or individuation include arguing the other side, uncovering values, and dissenting. A writer counters by arguing the other side or showing the effectiveness of a criticism or argument. A writer uncovers values by analyzing a word or concept that a text has left "undefined or unexamined." A writer dissents or identifies a "shared line of thought on an issue in order to note its limits" (Harris, 57). According to Harris, there are also three important points to remember when countering. His advice includes: focus on positions more than phrasing, be careful with modifiers, stress what you bring to the discussion. 

This can be seen in the article: Common Misconceptions About Anger.
In this blog, the author counters various stereotypes or "common misconceptions" on anger. The way in which the author approaches these misconceptions addresses the specific statement/misconception by using similar wording and changing around the parts to an accurate statement. The first misconception the author addressed is "Anger is not a “right” granted or “natural” for some to express but not others." She then responded and countered this statement by arguing the other side and writes, "Anger is an emotion that is critical to our personal health and happiness regardless of age, status or gender."