Why ask a controversial question of others whom you do not agree with?

1. 79

   jlparkposted 10 years ago

   Why ask a controversial question of others whom you do not agree with?
   
   I'd like to know what the point of this is? Do you want to learn, cause arguments or claim persecution? There have been quite a few from a number of people, like this. I'm confused, particularly due to the responses of the original "Asker's".  I'm also an incredibly curious person - I like finding out how people think -  So, why would people do this? Why would you personally?

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2. 62

   m0rd0rposted 10 years ago

   Controversial questions have high exposure to people who disagree. If your target is AD impressions - you would make a whole controversial blog for people to visit and argue with you and other people who agree or disagree with you.
   
   Voila. Easy money.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Aha! I see! Thanks Mordor.
      Money - the root of all Evil.

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3. 85

   SidKempposted 10 years ago

   I see many reasons. Greed, as m0rd0r points out, is one. As we make money from ad impressions on our questions, generating controversy to make money is a motive.
   
   And some people want to cause arguments and rile people up. I don' understand this myself.
   
   Some people do it to, as you put it, claim persecution. I could say that that supports a fragile ego, but, actually, I don't understand that one, either.
   
   I have asked 30 questions on Hubpages in the past year, and only three of them are phrased in a way to pique controversial interest. I do it because I genuinely want to understand other people's views. Sometimes, I'm open to changing my view. Other times, that's unlikely, but if I learn how other people think, what their concerns are, and how they put that into words, I understand them better. These people are my audience. When I understand my audience better, I am a better writer.
   
   That last is the only reason that makes sense to me.
   
   All the other reasons seem egoistic and harmful. And that describes why many people do many things, not just ask questions on hubpages!
   
   I hope this Q&A creates greater understanding and less noise and controversy.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your answer.  I agree with it on many points. I've noticed a bit of it lately, and it bothered me, so thank you for your thoughts!

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4. 60

   gabgirl12posted 10 years ago

   There are also others who don't care about money. They just want to be heard. They aren't looking to be controversial. They just have a tendency to ask questions not many dare to ask and also question the validity of the answers. This is especially important to gain from those who disagree because more often than not, the one's who disagree are the one's who influence or have the power to make changes. If you have a conviction it's important to know who the opposing sides are. And just like  you, are interested in knowing how people think.
   
   I'm more outspoken and won't back down 'just because people tell me to' or because they judge me to be argumentative. I ask the hard questions, and I'm prepared for the answers. I'm passionate and I won't change. Most of the time, its confused for aggression. That is incorrect. I wan't to know and understand their side and consider and weigh it. That doesn't mean I weigh people. Some people claim they don't have time to answer, or say 'it is what it is'. That's laziness. You know they have an answer and they can use their brains, they are just too 'busy' to talk and ask you to quietly go into the night.
   
   It also helps you to focus on the key aspects of your questions. Refine your communication skills and at times question yourself.  Not really to second guess, but to make sure you can be made accountable just as you holding those who answer accountable. What's that saying...keeping them (and yourself) honest.  And weed out the baloney, from the truth.
   
   When you say 'do you want to learn' never assume its that anyone want's to believe what you say. It's not even about learning, its about being informed. An example: I want to know about candle waxing vs I wan't to learn how to make a candle. You can 'know' about it and make an informed decision whether you want to learn how to make candle for yourself or not. Knowing about candle waxing however, doesn't make you an automatic apprentice.

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   c mark walkerposted 10 years ago

   because this is America and this is the path to solving problems;civil debate

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6. 84

   AlexK2009posted 10 years ago

   As pointed out, ad impression from questions  help income
   
   Talking to people who disagree with you means you ( and they) might learn something new.  You learn nothing preaching to the converted.
   
   You might be genuinely curious or make it part of your research

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   1. 79

      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's when they argue with each answer then accusing people of being offensive. Why ask the question? I'm all for learning something new, but these questions and their responses to answers they don't appear to WANT to learn

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7. 89

   suzettenaplesposted 10 years ago

   It should be to bring forth a discussion, but some do take it as argument or persecution.  It depends on the maturity level of the person submitting the controversial question.  But, it should be to bring forth healthy discussion of the topic.  The point is not to get everyone to agree with you, but to submit it to open up a discussion.

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      jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I've noticed a few seem to be trying to get people to persecute, which I found odd. Perhaps I read it wrong. I agree with your final statement!

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8. 85

   mbwalzposted 10 years ago

   Because think it's vital in this world that we don't isolate ourselves from ideas and people that don't match our own. It's only by listening to others' perspectives and stories and reasons that we can begin to formulate what we really believe ourselves.
   
   I don't learn much from my friends who all think like me, although I do feel very comfortable with them. But I learn much - some of which I agree with, some I don't, some I have to THINK about - from those that are on the other side of the spectrum. I may even get to feel uncomfortable, not a bad thing!
   
   Our world becomes very gray and bland if we only surround ourselves with those that are like us. And by asking these questions, especially the ones were "not supposed" to ask, we have an opportunity to learn and perhaps they may even be more open to listening and learning from our perspective.

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9. 59

   stars439posted 10 years ago

   I don't care what anybody else thinks on any issue. What matters is what I believe. I know the difference between right, and wrong , and that is all I need to know.
   
   God Bless.

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      mbwalzposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      It's too bad not to care how others feel about things. Their view can be just as valid and can teach you something new, even if you don't agree. Many issues have no right or wrong.

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      Ciel Clarkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      your comment got hidden, but I like your answer because you told your thoughts and did not say everyone else was wrong.  I am so curious about people and respect (not agree with) but totally respect and do not try to change a true conviction.

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10. 80

    dashingscorpioposted 10 years ago

    Some people love to debate or argue.
    Another group of people's goal is to get a lot of question views and answers which can lead to hub views and followers.
    Last but not least some people choose hot topics or controversial topics they are strongly against or for in order to see if others are on the same page.
    I know of one person who hates the existence of President Obama. Almost every single question she posts has a negative bent. I use to point out that neither party is standing on "holy ground" and give various examples of past presidents on both sides that had their issues. Eventually it dawned on me when one (hates) a person and subscribes to every potential government conspiracy there is no point in trying to get them to acknowledge anything that does not support their views. They're "in love" with their opinion! :-)

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11. 81

    John Sarkisposted 10 years ago

    If we only stuck to our crowd - that is to say friends and individuals who'll agree with us, we'll never be challenged.  To quote Nietzsche "certain times require us to love our enemies and hate our friends."  (paraphrasing, because I don't remember the exact quote?)

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12. 90

    peoplepower73posted 10 years ago

    When it comes to politics, I have certain beliefs that I trust are valid. I was a technical writer for over 30 years and also had six sigma training and was taught how to do research and analysis to get to the root cause of problems. I know the internet provides one with enough information to support any argument they desire. So I ask provocative questions to bring about change.  if I can change one persons thinking on an issue then I feel satisfied about what I have done. There is always the possibility that they will tell a friend who will tell a friend!
    
    I also have to admit that I have become a "forum junkie."  I truly enjoy participating in forums because it serves as a catharsis for me and increases my writing skills to express myself about complex issues.  It also gives me the basis for writing hubs about issues that I feel passionate about. When I get to the point where I feel it is no longer worth my time and effort, I will drop out of the forum.
    
    Thanks for this excellent question.

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13. 62

    Deepak Chaturvediposted 10 years ago

    Honestly to make money by ad imperission. On other they want to know how others react and think on that point.Some,here are very intelligent,clear minded give clear and logical views. So whatever may be motive behind good and logical answers could mould that motive.

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14. 57

    lumen2lightposted 10 years ago

    It would depend on what you are trying to get from it.
    If you want to pose a question on this site for example, a controversial question, as you are probably aware, attracts a larger audience and more responses.
    Sometimes, to provoke responses, one needs to play devil’s advocate to one’s own beliefs. Disagreeing with your own question often provokes further discussion.
    As M0rd0r states, if your target is AD impressions, the more controversial and argumentative you are, the more you will provoke a response, but you need a good provocative question to start with.
    After all, if we were all the same there would be nothing to talk, discuss, argue about, where’s the fun in that?
    Then again, I believe Confucius once said: Some people speak because something to say. Others speak because they want to say something.

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15. 0

    JThomp42posted 10 years ago

    Because, like you, I am naturally a curious person and really want to know the thought process behind some of the comments I have seen on here. Inquiring minds want to know.

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    1. 79

       jlparkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Good to know.

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16. 73

    d.williamposted 10 years ago

    Sometimes it is just plain amusing to agitate those with narrow minded views, especially the bigots and haters among us.

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       peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Got to love the honest answers!

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17. 78

    CloudExplorerposted 10 years ago

    Maybe because such a question was set up to be a sort of friendly time bomb sort of speak to conjure up additional controversy to play on. Who knows though, and especially when the deliverer of such a question, might not even know why they asked such a question themselves, and how can anyone be so sure of what others are thinking of, or thought of before choosing to ask such a heated highly debatable question.
    
    I hope this suffices as a clear cut answer, it sure is a good question and well worth a try to answer with all honesty. Nice one!

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18. 69

    joyce31202posted 10 years ago

    It's fun to challenge others. I guess it has something to do with survival of the fittest. The more people you have agreeing with you, the better you feel. It's uncomfortable being with those who have a different opinion than yours. It's all a matter of comfort to have like-minded individuals in your pack. I, however, am interested in what others think because I like to learn. I also enjoy hearing new ideas or opinions. These may help me in the long run.

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19. 70

    ohic32posted 10 years ago

    There's really nothing wrong with that. Controversy helps to showcase how others feel and even serve to help in the establishment of laws that allow people to exist in a cooperative manner.
    
    This prevents one set of beliefs being shoved down the throat of other's who feel differently. Your real intention is what makes all difference to how you view and accept controversy.
    
    Once the individual is open minded and want to learn from others rather than trying to convert/bully people to accept their point of view then controversy has a lot to offer.

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       Ciel Clarkposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       I agree.  A good debate should be about analyzing your own thoughts and trying to understand the other person's point of view.   People are different.

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    DNSiclariposted 10 years ago

    Some people like to debate. It may not be about the greed or the drama. Some individuals just like to exercise their thinking skills. By posing a question that has strong views on both sides and then arguing on that questions the writer is expanding their scope of reasoning. Where I do see the points on greed, I do not believe that this is the main motivator. I do think that the other statements regarding drama and people just wanting to stir the pot has a lot to do with things. However, I would hope that the people who post questions that they know are against the grain of most people are doing so to debate rationally and reasonably.

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21. 86

    krillcoposted 10 years ago

    OK, I'm not going to be diplomatic. I call it 'aggressive stupidity'. There is a clear difference between lively debate, conversation, problem solving and 'baiting' to start a hate monger-fest. Some folks just need a reaction...ANY reaction so that they can validate themselves as existing and having a bit of power.

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22. 66

    IsaiasPablo90posted 10 years ago

    Because you want to present a completely new view. Having the same view would be boring after a long time while we are alive. I want to learn.

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23. 64

    CrescentSkiesposted 10 years ago

    It's interesting to see their reactions. Some of the answers I get to these types of questions actually make me stop and think for a bit...and many others generally make me stop and laugh at them.

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    skgraoposted 10 years ago

    I do know you are confused and therefore you are asking a question that is serving no purpose.As long as people have their ego and are not serious of other persons point of view they argue fo disagree and disagree to agree.No one gains by arguments it has to be judged and only a judge can say who is right not the arguers.My humble request is do not argue and try to prove you are right.Start your argument saying you accept what he says and say your comments need lot of research on the subject and it is very important to give comments that will be accepted.( Some bullshit like that ) and see how it goes.

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25. 61

    Necessityposted 10 years ago

    Some people thrive on conflict, whether they are conscious of this or not.  There are people in this world who love to stir up controversy and hatred.  They get the argument going and sometimes fade to the back ground and watch and other times they are active participants egging on the opposing view.
    I would hope that to ask a controversial question would be to gain a better insight to those who see the world differently than yourself.  Put yourself into their shoes type of mentality.  Unfortunately it has been my experience that the type of person who asks a question known for stirring up conflict does so because they like to see others hostile and miserable.

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26. 0

    Tank4uposted 10 years ago

    It is very difficult in today's climate not to start an argument because people are so polarized or harden in their ideologies. To answer your question: I am a very opinionated and curious person and from time to time I will ask questions knowing what the answer will be in order to learn more deeply what people believe; by doing this, I hope to better myself, or help others better themselves....I also use questions to further a article: For Example: I might ask, "Why Did He or She Do That? I then follow the question with my opinion. In conclusion, I like your question because it made me question my own motives. Thank you!

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27. 72

    Ciel Clarkposted 10 years ago

    I often find myself debating things with myself.  I am mostly interested in why people think what they do and I like to debate back and forth.  I am happiest with an open discussion and least happy when someone closes down with "the answer." 
    I love it when people are strong to their convictions, but add,  "Well, that's what we know right now."
    I tend not to ask people controversial questions except if I know the person.  Some of my favorite people are totally differently-minded but will try to listen to my point of view, just like I do.  People are interesting!

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28. 53

    abt79posted 10 years ago

    Because some seek attention with more vigor than they seek Heaven.
    Feel free to quote me on that.

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