Frequently, I wonder to myself why I bother engaging in political discussions on the internet. What it comes down to is
1) I've always enjoyed a good debate, and it's hard to engage in these discussions in real life with friends or family, as it can result in hard feelings. It's easier to discuss politics with strangers online.
2) Believe it or not, I learn things by discussing politics and social issues online. I've even changed some pretty massive views over the years. I used to support the death penalty; I no longer do. I'm WAY more socially libertarian than I once was, due to discussions right here on Hubpages. For example, I think we should decriminalize drug use, all drug use. Five years ago, I would not have supported that.
3) I like to spout my opinion, just like many people do. I have to force myself to really consider the alternative viewpoint quite frequently. I'm human, and have found myself looking back at some of my own nonsense, wishing I had been more open to the other viewpoint. But, hey, that's part of why I'm here.
What about you? Do you believe you really try to learn from alternate viewpoints? Why do you post here? Is it to debate? If not, why?
Edited to add: Contrary to what is being reported in another thread, I am not "exiting political debates." I am merely choosing not to engage with posters who have proven to be unwilling to actually discuss pretty much anything. In the past, I exited. I'm trying something new now. These forums were once a fertile ground for good discussions. Maybe it's a reflection of the increasingly divisive nature of U.S. politics, but the quality of discussions in the forums have degraded dramatically in the last two years. I have been posting here since 2010, so I have a bit of perspective, I think. Maybe others don't think so.
I agree with you completely, PP. And I'm not leaving the political discussions either as has been untruthfully--surprise, surprise--reported elsewhere.
I too learn much from discussing political and other issues, but not wasting my time with those with an agenda to mislead and deny.
Hello PrettyPanther,
I follow and participate in these forums for many of the same reasons you mentioned, and I have also experienced some of the same changes in perspective that you noted.
I do enjoy a lively adversarial discussion, I don't see any profit in extended "me too" discussions, but I will pop in once in a while to offer witness. I also enjoy deep-dive discussions about particular topics, like; "What did the framers mean when they said...", or "Should our national Representatives be guided by their constituent's desires when making national decisions." etc.
And of course I really enjoy discussions with mistaken perspectives. After all, what kind of friend would I be if I let a buddy continue to think they are right when I know they are wrong. ;-)
Relative to these forums specifically, I too have noticed the loss of more than a few intelligent participants - a loss that magnifies the voices of the more partisan participants. Just like "... more is not always better..." - neither is louder always more correct. Relative to this point, I think CNN's "Apple" commercial nails it.
CNN ad "This is an apple." Facts First
GA
Thank you, GA. I love the apple commercial. It's spot on. I have noticed your interest in deep-dive discussions. You are pretty good at it. There aren't many topics that come up here that I consider myself to be so knowledgeable as to justify diving deep. Now, if we were discussing nutrition, or psychology, or fundraising, or how to draft a grant application, I could dive in pretty deep. You might have noticed I have a keen interest in the unconscious motivations of people, which often leads me to get too personal. That's where I have knowledge, though, so that's often where I naturally gravitate in the discussion.
"What about you?"
I like to share information.
"Do you believe you really try to learn from alternate viewpoints?"
Yes, I try to learn something new everyday. I love information.
"Why do you post here?"
I like to share information.
"Is it to debate?"
No.
"If not, why?"
I try to form relationships in order to have fellowship in conversations, that seems to be a losing battle, but I keep the faith.
Okay, I'm going to give this the old college try. :-)
If I understand you correctly, you like to share information, but you don't want to debate. So, do you wish that people would not directly address the points you make? Because, it seems to me, that if you share information on a forum, you will inevitably receive feedback on that information, some of it positive, some negative. What is your response to that?
How does one develop fellowship in conversations if one is not interested in "discussing" what is shared?
I like to have or read informative conversations where people discus political and social issues. I learn more about a person by their point of view. Fellowship is like sitting down and breaking bread together. I appreciate your interest. Covfefe?
Okay, thank you for further clarifying. So, you like sharing and receiving information, but don't want to discuss whether or not that information is accurate, the ramifications of the information, or other aspects of it? I'm trying to understand, because when you say you don't want to debate, then to me, that means you are not interested in discussion, but maybe I'm just not getting it.
"I like to have or read informative conversations" ~ me.
Discussions and "conversations" aren't the same thing now?
Wow, is this the Twilight Zone?
Hmm, I was trying to have a conversation with you but your Twilight Zone comment seems a little out there and a bit hostile. Here is the definition of discussion.
the action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
"the proposals are not a blueprint but ideas for discussion"
a conversation or debate about a certain topic.
plural noun: discussions
"discussions about environmental improvement programs"
synonyms: conversation, talk, dialogue, discourse, conference, debate, exchange of views, consultation, deliberation;
Note that "conversation" is a synonym for discussion.
But, okay,based on this last reply, I think our discussion/conversation should probably come to an end.
You got the snark on first. I thought it was funny for you to split hairs over a word, but that's how you are. I thought I'd give it a try and hope for the best to have a civil conversation with you. Its always pretty much unfruitful and waste of time. But, I tried.
Trump is not the first President to promise to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. So why is the media portraying him as a madman, when he's really just keeping a decades-old promises. Clinton, Bush and Obama didn't keep their promises. A pattern of lying...politicians!
Trump is keeping his promises.
Some discussion! (conversation)
Where, exactly, did I get the snark on, because I certainty didn't intend to. I'm trying the understand your participation in these forums, based on your own words.
"Okay, thank you for further clarifying. So, you like sharing and receiving information, but don't want to discuss whether or not that information is accurate, the ramifications of the information, or other aspects of it? I'm trying to understand, because when you say you don't want to debate, then to me, that means you are not interested in discussion, but maybe I'm just not getting it." - you.
I used the word conversation. You want to use discuss, discussion. You assumed I don't want to have a discussion when to me that is clearly what I said. You just put a spin on it. That is snarky!
Added: It is playing cat and mouse. Snark too.
by stanwshura 13 years ago
Why do political discussions often devolve into "peace and love" idealists versus flag-wavers doom?Why do so many political discussions seem in need of a moderator, lest they devolve into deliberate and contrived non sequiturs and mudslinging?
by Helena Hasquin 13 years ago
Why do a lot of political discussions usually lead to arguments & name calling?
by Tim Mitchell 10 months ago
What’s new with you? What Americans talk about with family and friends by Pew Research (July 2, 2024)https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads … d-friends/"When Americans gather for the July Fourth holiday, they will likely discuss a wide variety of topics, from work and personal...
by Rachel Woodruff 14 years ago
Just for once I would like to see a Political Discussion without name calling, on either side. I see an otherwise adult post that they feel strongly about... Immigration... The Health Care Bill... pick your topic, and yet we can't discuss the pro's and con's without resorting to calling people...
by Peter Freeman 14 years ago
I'm not a big fan of getting into controversial discussions in the forums. I prefer to read than write here, but this has been bothering me for a long time. There are some deep questions that I want to ask. When I talk to Jewish Rabbis or thinkers they would engage me forever, keep the coffee...
by LoganG 14 years ago
How do you engage someone in debate who is extremely stubborn in their opinions?And not a formal debate, just a fair discussion on a topic such as religion or politics.
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