Can we talk?

[Moriarty]

Tonight I got into a debate I shouldn't have.

I am stuck thinking I offended someone with my views, which was not my intention.
They have every right to hold an opinion contra to mine, they also had a perfectly valid opinion I may add.

So when does science and life seperate, when do both logic and real life diverge into seperate realities.
We all face trials and tribulations, we all face life as an ever decreasing circle of time.
Time which forces us to make choices.

I upset someone by arguing on logic, without taking into account someone elses lived experience.
Yet validity of opinion is subjective.

We are so polarized over what is or is not allowed to be spoken, we are so shaken by opinions contra to our own self beliefs.
When did winning an argument mean more than formulating a real debate?

I look back on the forum posts talking about serious subjects, they are closed down.
Why?
Not because the debate was settled, but because people didnt respect others.

We have this place, to talk, to discuss, to debate.

Tonight I accused someone of being emotional in thier discussions.
Emotion is baggage, it detracts from empirical science.

But is it less valid?

I don't know any more.

 

[Saphire]

Everyone is entitled to hold their own views, even when they are blatantly stupid, as we often see on forums.

As soon as a debate turns into a personal calling fest, as we saw the other day in the 'Another woman murdered on our streets' thread, there is no point carrying on with it...as happened there.

Maybe the reason some people get upset when you are debating and disagreeing about a certain topic, is because they want to win the argument....which is their problem more than yours.

 

[ladymuck]

One of the major problems with this site is that nearly every thread quickly degenerates into personal attacks and name-calling. It makes it impossible to have a decent discussion.
Of course we all have different opinions. There would no point in trying to discuss anything if we all felt the same way about things. However, there is no excuse for insults and put-downs.

 

[BronzeSquirrel]

Often the written word gets misconstrued or people simply choose to interpret it in the way they want to. I think debate is good, and if it gets heated, then that's the nature of debate because often people feel passionately about certain subjects. Once you start getting really nasty and personal you lose the argument anyway and it just makes you look a twat.

 

[Wojcik]

We're all going to offend at least someone, no matter what we do or have to say. And everyone will act differently. Some will throw insults and act in an irrational and emotional rage, if they don't like what's being said, or even in some instances, will try to doxx that person's home address and attempt to have that person fired from his job(this has happened before where employers are pressured into letting someone go because of the groups aggressive tactics). So there are those who do take it to an extreme level.

But at the end of the day you've got to ask yourself whether or not it's worth engaging with these people at all. It's not like you're going to change minds or someone's viewpoint, especially if they've been indoctrinated to think a certain way, and that everything else is wrong or evil
And people do often wonder how people turn out the way they do? But it's not so difficult to understand. Say for example, a young kid, who may be a social outcast, hasn't had much interaction with other people, and who may not have much life experience, is then welcomed into these groups and provided with something that has been missing throughout their life. An acceptance, embraced with open arms. But that acceptance comes at a price. Nothing is free.

And that same principle can be added to all of the other infamous historical figures of our time. They can influence vulnerable people through manipulation.