Valid reasons to stop following hate filled bloggers.

Is it polite to stop following, and blocking, people who comment on blogs by hurtful remarks and name calling?

The answer is: Yes

There ARE valid reasons to stop following certain bloggers

Even though "free speech" is afforded us under our constitution, it should be understood, and interpreted to mean, that it should be allowed, or tolerated, only to the extent that it does not become hateful, hurtful, or slanderous.

There is no excuse for that, and just because we have the right to say anything we want, any time we want to say it, does not make it right (or decent). (and especially 'christian')

The concept that every one is entitled to their own opinions may also be valid, but it is with the reservation, to make the concession that: "opinions are rarely based on common sense or logic'.

Everyone has an opinion, but most of them are biased and unfounded by logic.

Some people who comment on articles they read feel free to make judgements, call names, use slurs, insults, and truly hateful rhetoric, if anyone dares to disagree with their personal points of view.

It is worthy to note that many of the worst of them call themselves 'religiously adherent' who are only seeking validation from others for their beliefs.

If you disagree with their ''holy book" quoting, as a valid point of discussion, they delete your comments, and/or attack with nasty name calling, insinuations, accusations and threats.

It is also to be noted that those who are the most offensive are generally from the most radical extremes of both spectrum's (highly conservative or highly liberal - in both their political and religious convictions)

When an alternative point of view is presented they find it hard to even explore the possibility that their point of view might need greater introspect.

If they are lacking in proper education and/or the intelligence to logically express themselves, or lack the ability to rationalize and discern the difference between superstition and reality, they tend to resort to name calling, insults, etc...

The last person that was added to my 'stopped following' list , was not without merit.

When a blogger attacks those who comment, because they disagree with the point of view presented, it becomes problematic when the blogger attacks the commenter.

In this case, when the commenter made the statement that he/she hoped that this was not what the blogger was teaching their children, the blogger became irate.

The ensuing conversations became even more confrontational, when that comment was interpreted to mean, imply, or accuse the blogger of being a "bad mother". When in fact the implication was that her 'intelligence' was at question, not the parenting.

To add to that outrage the commenter also implied that the blogger should be 'pitied' for her narrow minded 'views' that are being passed on to her offspring.

Ergo, sparking the irate tirade that she "will not tolerate" anyone calling her a "bad mother", or saying that she is "stupid" or 'ignorant'.

Many common words can be misinterpreted by the reader if they are looking for reasons to attack instead of debate.

These 'interpretations' by the blogger, of the remarks of the commenter, were NOT perceived in that particularly crass manner by me, or other readers leaving comments.

Having been the brunt of her tirade on other matters myself, led to the logical conclusion, that this is not a person who we need to listen to, try to enlighten in any fashion, or ever attempt to have a half way intelligent conversation with.

'Discussion' or 'debate' was never an option with this writer. Everything was confrontational, not debatable.

When we run across this type of individual who is so adamantly in love with self, and their own narrow view of the world, it is unhealthy to continue any type of verbal interactions with them.

Being one who personally welcomes controversial subjects, and a healthy debate, it quickly becomes clear when "reason" becomes "unreasonable"; and debate turns to argument.

At which point, it is time to sever the tie and concede to their resistance to logic; and simply agree to disagree, and move on.

Realistically however, these rigidly narrow minded individuals do promote hatred, intolerance, and bigotry - and yes, pass those unsavory traits along to their offspring as well.

So, we must graciously concede their rights to their opinions, and their ignorance, as valid for themselves, but for themselves alone and pity the children who will learn and follow their negative ways in life.

Hateful talk, is hateful talk, no matter how many times you read it and try to find a different meaning in the words.

If someone annoys us with unreasonable attitudes, we may choose to simply exclude them from our lives, without prejudice.

There should be no need for apology to choose not to allow them any space in our life.

In defense of those with strong beliefs, it is perhaps best to not attempt to broach those beliefs with a different point of view.

That also must include not attacking those believers for attacking those that have an opposing belief system.

Often times adopting a "middle of the road" approach to diffuse a potentially volatile situation is necessary; if for no other reason than giving both parties the opportunity to walk away gracefully.

If both parties with strong beliefs are unable to discuss, or debate, calmly, logically, or rationally, it would be prudent to avoid a war by conceding to simply "agree to disagree".

And politely part ways without trying to put one another down, or make judgments, for having that disagreement.

by: d.william 02/26/2011