Political/Ideological/Religious Forums

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   steveamyposted 12 years ago

   Are Political/Ideological/Religious Forums just pointless rants or do they actually change hearts and minds?

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      steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      To me they seem a distraction from what the goal -- or at least -- my goal is here.  Yes, they can be seductive we all love a good argument but not really why I am here.

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         couturepopcafeposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I agree with you totally.  This is a writers' platform and there are so few forums that have anything to do with writing except for the sandpit, which is usually some inane word or name or number game.  There are plenty of religious and political platforms out there if people want to get involved with masters of that sort of thing.  Here, they're just bullies and instigators.

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            vmartinezwilsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Well, the funny thing about writing is that it is an all inclusive format.  My specialty is film, so I write about that and hope people enjoy it.  I enjoy reading about film, but also about politics, because that was my minor.  If this place was entirely about writing it wouldn't have the same draw, 
            
            There are some that come across as bullies, but I've chosen to ignore them and instead discuss matters with people who may disagree, but who also can be civil about it.  So, far it's worked for me.  Although I admit I haven't been here for that long.
            
            One more thing, as a screenplay writer, I couldn't come up with half the ideas that some people spout off here.  I really appreciate the different perspective because it can bring complexity to what would have been a one dimensional character or narrative.

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      Quilligrapherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This thread should be banned for being a calm and intellectual discussion!

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         Captain Redbeardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         haha

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      psycheskinnerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yes.
      No.

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      Cagsilposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Many people are going to tell you that no one is going to change their mind about the beliefs which they already solidified. However, I have more in-depth knowledge which works to my advantage, which I am not about to reveal and it reinforces my actions on the forums.
      
      With that said, do try to stay out of trouble.

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      livelongerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I would say it's not one or the other, but a mixture. I've had some really wonderful, enlightening conversations in the religion forum; I just ignore the angry proselytizers of either variety.
      
      In the politics forums, there are a couple of conservatives that I respect and can have a conversation with, but they're relatively few (sadly), so I've spent less time there.

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   AshtonFireflyposted 12 years ago

   I think forums on this website very rarely change people's minds, as in a complete turnaround.
   For those who approach the forums with the object to learn, they will learn. About themselves and others, and possibly even more about the subject about which they debate.
   For those who approach the forums with the intent of forcing their ideas down everyone's throats, they learn nothing and contribute nothing.
   I have learned a lot from these forums. It has not changed my mind about anything; but it has given me a broader perspective on some things, as well as given me some insight about the psychology of the human mind and behaviorism during debate.
   I find it useful. But that's just me.

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      steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      It seems to me that it is reasonable to participate because it might drive some traffic to your Hubs.

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         AshtonFireflyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I don't really care about traffic. I like to discuss with people. If they wanna read my hubs, then that's fine lol. But either way, it's not a big deal to me.

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   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   To rant? Or not to rant? That is the question.

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      steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      whether it nobler, in the minds of men,  to endure the slings and arrows of moronic ideologues........

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   knolyourselfposted 12 years ago

   It stimulates me to new ideas and thus I learn.

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   steveamyposted 12 years ago

   well spoken ... perhaps it  will shine as beacon of reason ........... nah!!!! unlikely.

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      Quilligrapherposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A typical day on the Religious Forum
      

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   Captain Redbeardposted 12 years ago

   I can say that I have learned alot. Some about evolution, Judaism, Athisim and just how ugly people can be to complete strangers because they have a computer screen between themselves and another. I love Hubpages! This is almost a second home to me. I don't know that I have one enemy here despite what others might think. I love hearing everyones ideas....even if their just trying to get me upset,  which I just learned is called "trolling" I learned this because someone said I was doing that so I withdrew from the conversation.

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      vmartinezwilsonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I stopped posting in forums for a bit there because someone started 'online yelling' at me.  I was told not to take it too seriously and have absorbed that advice  I state my opinions and have been open to others.  That's all I can do.

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         Captain Redbeardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Tis all can any of us do. Gar, these waters be trol'sm at times aye but they be worth the storms!

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   gmwilliamsposted 12 years ago

   Neither.  These forums allow all to participate and voice their opinions which are parts of discourses in a democratic and open society.   Thank God for these forums.  Participate and disagree to your heart's content but be civil and adult about it.

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   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   

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      AshtonFireflyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      haha. that's what it feels like most times

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         paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         A perfect avatar for certain forums...

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      Captain Redbeardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      How'd you get that pic of me? Certainly this is after my redbeard went white  but thur I be non the less. Gyarrrrr

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   HattieMattieMaeposted 12 years ago

   Think they rants and don't do nothing, cause they all have to be right! lol Ugly place to be in those forums! always leaves a bad taste in my mouth!

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    paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

    HP forums! The gift that keeps on giving.

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    steveamyposted 12 years ago

    As I said earlier I try to avoid the distraction but some of the ideological lunacy makes it difficult to not wade into the morass occasionally.....

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    paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

    Oh, good. I just discovered a quote and then this thread comes along.
    
    "Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die." - Malachy McCourt

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       steveamyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       well spoken.....

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    vmartinezwilsonposted 12 years ago

    That's beautiful...and very apt in these forums.

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    johnvespucciposted 12 years ago

    That is a quote to live by

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    Eric Newlandposted 12 years ago

    Such forums help to show me what all humanity has in common: stupidity. It knows no political, religious, or ideological boundaries. Quite frankly, it even transcends intelligence levels.
    
    My unintentional modus operandi around here has been to get mad at a debate thread, compose an eloquent and scathing reply, take a deep breath, look at it again, wonder what's the point, close the tab, and get on with my life.

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       Captain Redbeardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       a wiser man than 99% of those who are a member of the Hubpage community sir

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       Longhunterposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       A wiser man possibly but what's the fun in that. Getting the blood pressure up of some people can be more than a little humorous.

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    thebigbagblogposted 12 years ago

    That's a good question..."I don't know" ;-) (Plato would be proud! lol)

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    maxoxam41posted 12 years ago

    Pointless rants based upon no rationality. And when you make a point hubpages makes you understand that it would harm sensitive souls.

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    maxoxam41posted 12 years ago

    And who are those sensitive souls? You. But who are they to judge you, us? Do we need baby-sitters to tell us what is politically correct?

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