HollyS
Posts: 230
Joined: 1/5/2006 Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: mistoferin This is a discussion forum. Differing opinions and viewpoints are the very thing that make it work. I love to see all of the different perspectives....and sometimes they will even cause me to re-examine how I personally feel on a topic or issue. Discussion is awesome. But there is a point where a discussion turns into an argument....and then there is a point where an argument turns into an argument that seems solely for the sake of argument. At what point though, do you say to yourself, this is futile....I have stated how I feel in 10 different ways and I am at the point of beating a dead horse? Or what about posters who want to fight to the death on EVERY issue? I love so much of the discussion I find here in the forums but when it seems like a thread has become primarily about one person's perspective, I generally won't post. Often those threads are about the OP looking to push a certain agenda, which is a losing venture for follow-up posters. Some people really like to debate at this level, but I feel like if what I have to say won't be heard in that particular space, then best to read on and look for another topic. I really like being engaged about issues and exploring all sides to the wide variety of topics brought up here, but not if I have to begin from a point of defensiveness. Unfortunately some threads start with the dead horse. I'm bothered when OPs begin with "Why are all X _________?" then go on to relate their own personal story with X, as if their experience encompassed all such experiences in the world. Such threads tend to draw a crowd too, stirring the flaming pot and getting people riled up, but I find little to enjoy in them. Saying "both sides are valid and here is why" goes ignored -- it seems people like to fight this way. We see it all the time: - Well I don't know anyone who...
- Why would anyone....
- Have you noticed that male _____ are...
- Have you noticed that female ______ are...
- Everytime I ______ such-and-such ______ happens. Why are such experiences always this way?
There's nothing wrong with politely trying to convince others of a certain point of view (that's what debate is, after all), as long as room is made to respectfully disagree at the end of the day. Beyond that and people either stop listening or keep at it, ending up frustrated with each other. For my part, I'd prefer to see more of the former and less of the latter. Personally I notice many of the regular posters whom I respect staying out of the infernos, which, to me, says something. ~Holly
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I wish my lawn were emo, so it would cut itself.
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