Ever thought of something that you thought would be a good topic to discuss, then decided not to do the Thread? You knew the topic would be quite controversial and that many wouldn't agree with your feelings? I remember my last Supervisor told me, "the three things that shouldn't be talked about at work, and many times not with anyone is: Sex, Religion and Politics". A few other topics I would think could be/would be very controversial is: Race, Marriage, Gay-Lesbian Lifestyle, Adult Bad Habits. Heck, I remember, on another forum, doing a Thread about the relationship between my daughter and I......or, I should say "lack of". Some completely understood, while others had harsh words to say to me and were ready to "tar and feather" me (LOL). That was one Thread I should have thought twice about doing. WOW!!
The thing is Cody...you can't have a discussion about a controversial topic with everyone agreeing with you all the time..it wouldn't be a discussion it would simply be your POV and it would be dead in the water right from the start.. .. Everyone has their own points of view and if you want to start a discussion you need to be ready for opposing points as well as people who are in agreement. Unfortunately The problem with some forums is that oftentimes, people get so heated, and feel so threatened by a view different from theirs that they have to make a personal attack, and their friends will join in, and before you know it there's a war... it spoils what could be an interesting debate for everyone else..
I can discuss or debate almost anything. We all hv a pov....just cant take it personally if one does not agree.
There will always be disagreements and differences of opinion. What bothers me is of coarse just rude and disrespectful people. But even worse is the know if all. If you don't see their side they will argue to infinity. There are only two ways to stop them. Ignore them. Or admit they are right about everything, which I won't do.
All true what has been said above If you start a controversial thread, then expect differing opinions, which is fine by me I can understand the passion of a subject, I've got involved and when I know I'm gonna blow I then bow out
Me too @Patsy Faye ..if people start attacking I'll stand up for myself..but if I start to get angry...then I just get out..because I'll say something that I may regret..
Whether speaking one on one or posting in a forum and when I enter into a conversation there is never a debate because I am always right. Wow, that sounds pretty egocentric doesn't it? The truth is, ALL personal opinions, no matter the subject matter and no matter who offers said opinion is always right......to them (or to me). It has already been established that all personal opinion is subjective. It is an unshakable personal truth based on experience and logic and to some, there is no other viable variation of that personal idea no matter what the subject is nor data retrieved. A whole big fiasco happened in a forum when someone started a thread asking " how can smart people believe in God? ". I took the bait and posted my reasoning based on what I felt to be true....for me. I watched page after page of posted turmoil when I finally ended the whole thing by telling everyone that the question at hand was asking for personal experience which is subjective and did not leave any space for objectivity. When another person's personal beliefs, from child rearing, politics or a favorite flavored ice cream is directly attacked and responded in kind rather than giving a simple comparison of life experiences then all hades will, unfortunately, break loose. I believe the key for a better educational experience is tolerance for the other person's view. We learn so much more by peacefully comparing issues rather than debating the rights and wrongs of the other guys opinions.
Well, even though I can be good with a debate, I guess I'm at that age now that, most of the time, unlike years ago, I prefer not to. Although, I have to admit, when I see someone complain about something, I find it necessary to give my "two cents" worth. We all have things we want to discuss with others, but in all truthfulness, I doubt most of us give it a thought about the replies that can happen. A person can do a Thread on Race and be called a racist. In doing some other kind of Thread, people can look at the Thread as discrimination about something. I think sometimes it's just safer only discussing something with people that a person knows will agree, or mostly will agree, with them.
It may be safer - but if you are of a mind that can view an opinion with an 'open' mind, you may end up agreeing ! I have been shown the error of me thinking at times, not often I admit but it has happened
Not sure if you've misunderstood me Cody - by open mind, I mean it 'can' be changed I am steadfast on a 'lot' of things though
This is the difference to me: my dad was a very opinionated...um person . When he died a neighbor summed it up well about my dad. You know as long as you agreeded with him you were his friend. Unfortunately very few ever saw his point of view.And there very few at his funeral. On the other hand my BF is very different from myself in many areas yet we have been buddies for 46 years. There is a time to speak ones mind, and a time to remain silent.
Like, which could either happen in-person or a "complaint" type Thread: You have a Handicap Placard or Handicap License Plate and pull into a parking lot and notice a vehicle setting in a Handicap spot..........no other Handicap spots left. You see the license plate is not a Handicap one and no Placard hanging from the mirror. You know there are a lot of young folks who don't give a darn about Handicap spots and simply pull into it. You're obviously not happy that someone who isn't Handicap is parking in the spot designated for you. You go about your business, but when you return to your vehicle, you see the person opening the door to the vehicle sitting in the Handicap spot. Do you encounter that person about the spot and that you are handicap or just let it go? Do you go on a forum, do a Thread about what happened and hope most people will agree with how you feel........or, just let it go? Handicap parking can be a very controversial subject to some.
Moons ago, I would have said to the person you mention that they are doing wrong Today, we have to let a lot of things go, not worth dying for
I agree about the handicapped parking issue, and I usually look to see if the vehicle has a tag or placard in it, especially when you see a younger person who looks athletic (and not handicapped) jumping out of the vehicle and heading into the store. Even though I do have a handicapped license on our car, I usually park further out in the parking lot, just to get more walking steps in for the day. If my legs or back is hurting , or the weather is inclement, then I park in the handicapped space. Another one that really bothers me, is people using the handicapped bathroom stall in a store, when they do not need to. The other day, I had to stand and wait for almost 5 minutes while someone was blowing their nose in the handicapped stall, and then when the person came out, it was a store employee, totally young and healthy looking. I know that some stores employ handicapped people, and I totally agree that this is a good thing; but this woman did not appear to be handicapped, and she looked embarrassed when she came out and saw me standing and waiting. People with little kids and babies often need to use the larger handicapped restroom, too, and I just think that it should not be used by people who do not need to have the handicapped restroom. I actually reported this incident when we were at the cashier's desk checking out. Usually, I never report this kind of thing; but if no one reports it, it will never change.