posted on May 1, 2001 05:26:57 PM
I was just wondering why some people need to tear down others opinions, etc? Will the boards survive these types? Although the CG's say to stick to the subject, and address it, they go after the responders who have opinions that don't match theirs? When they can't badger them into looking at the subject with the same mindset, or opinion as they have, they then go after spelling typos or character assassination? Then to add to this type of simple minded logic, and self gratification, they have their followers who will come in to support their antics? Of course, these so-called self appointed 'Lords of the boards' stay within the CG's, as they have mastered the ability to harass, and attack people, while avoiding the wrath of the moderators. Worst of all, is those who begin to follow this mentality and before they are aware of it, become likewise 'Infants of intelligence', and find themselves members of the same mindset.
Why do these people sit at their computers all day attacking those who do not see the world as they do? Who knows? Could it be some deficiency in their childhood, or adult lives? What is it about them that makes others desire to follow them? Like the high school bully beating up another kid, do they want to befriend them, to avoid being a target? Do others really want to be like these types, and end up with such a limited outlook on life, and of others who differ from themselves? Do others also want to sit there all day seeing how much they can tear down another persons opinion, if they don't like it? Assault their typing, their character, or their personal lives, when that doesn't work? Do they want to look in the mirror every morning and see themselves as being one of these individuals? Do they have enough character to resist being drawn into the depths of this type of persons narrow mindedness?
Regardless of anyone's opinion, they do have the right to speak it, as long as they stay within the CG's. Do others feel the attempt to thwart others opinions, that differ from their own, is how they really want to end up? Can anyone honestly look at themselves, and say "Yes, I want to be just like them"? There are many fine people on these boards, and just a small minority enjoy being like the above mentioned. Hopefully, the majority will maintain control of their own identities and individuality, and not slip in to this type of mentality. Can the majority resist being like these people, or will they eventually become just like them, and never realize it? Does it matter to the majority, if these boards survive such people? And, if so, why cooperate with these types? Why not just put them on permanent 'ignore'? I'm sure I may be attacked for asking these questions. Really, it's sad in a way, to see such an existence as a means of entertainment. But, if it wakes up even one person by starting this thread, it's worth it. The question I am posing here is this. Has social acceptance become so important, that respectful people will sacrifice their self esteem, self worth, and right to voice their opinions without harassment. Just to maintain social acceptance on these boards?
Paragraphing~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[ edited by mint4you on May 1, 2001 05:28 PM ]
posted on May 1, 2001 05:31:17 PMmint4you: the only ones who get in trouble for "expressing their opinions" are those who seem unable, for whatever reason, to express it politely. Some seem unable to refrain from using bad language, derogatory language, intense sarcasm, or harassment (or a combination of these) when they post.
posted on May 1, 2001 05:45:22 PM
Lords of the Boards ...
Now that's catchy.
mint4you,
The thing is, I just did a site search to see if I could find whatever flamefest led you to this point of frustration -- but you edited out all your posts. Why? What's the point? If you believe so strongly in what you say, and defend your right to say it, why did you delete everything?
Listen, no matter what forum you express your opinion in, there will always be naysayers, gadflies and trolls. Get used to it. It's part of the price of speaking out. If your viewpoint has merit, it will withstand the attacks. If not, it'll go down in flames. It all depends on you.
posted on May 1, 2001 05:46:49 PM
We don't just talk past each other here and just list our opinions. We interact and we challenge and discuss and defend them. I expect and welcome challenges to my opinions on all occasions and I do the same to others when I see fit. The golden rule.
Helen, have you noticed that you mellowed when your W shrank?
UBBah.
[ edited by jamesoblivion on May 1, 2001 05:47 PM ]
posted on May 1, 2001 06:18:11 PM
Lords of the Boards. Wow. You're famous already in my mind for that phrase, very creative. That's a sincere compliment too, mint4you.
seriously, mint4you, define what you mean by social acceptance. Most days I think the people here are too diverse to have any cohesive opinions (that would define them as a group) and be of one mind about whether another poster is accepted or not accepted. You might in fact be accepted or welcomed by the majority of people posting here although no one might come right out and say it explicitly in a post. The opposite might be true though, the few that object to your opinion or presence, might be the ones you hear from on that thread.
I'm not sure I'm explaining myself that well so will have to think about it some more. Maybe I'll be able to make more sense by tomorrow!
I like the way James put it:
We interact and we challenge and discuss and defend them. I expect and welcome challenges to my opinions on all occasions and I do the same to others when I see fit. The golden rule.
posted on May 1, 2001 06:27:23 PMListen, no matter what forum you express your opinion in, there will always be naysayers, gadflies and trolls. Get used to it. It's part of the price of speaking out. If your viewpoint has merit, it will withstand the attacks. If not, it'll go down in flames. It all depends on you.
Spaz - Truer words were never spoken.
Unfortunately, social acceptance is important, or none of us would bother with posting to these boards. Some of those who seem to be attacking are just messing with you, to see if you can take the heat. (Trust me on this one.) After a while, tho, you realize that accepting yourself is a lot more important than being accepted by anybody else. When others accept you, it's gravy. Very nice gravy, no doubt - but it's not the meat of the meal.
Say what you mean, mean what you say, and do your damnedest to say it as nicely as possible. As for editing out all your posts - fight that urge.
posted on May 1, 2001 06:32:52 PM
Social acceptance?
Huh! That's one aspect I've never considered when I post. I like reading what other people have to say, and I like discussing (defending?) my POV.....but I've got to say, I don't give a furry rats ass what anyone here thinks of me personally.
Maybe you should consider why you need social acceptance from a group of people who you will never meet with 'names' such as lotsafuzz, Spaz, enchanted, ect.
Lords of the Boards.....this IS a good phrase! (You now have my social acceptance on this phrase).
I think that's an attitude that I need, but
unfortunately its one that I don't have. I
am very sensitive here and as people call it,
also in real life. I don't take this as lightly as I suppose I should. And I doubt
that I ever will.
Helen
[ edited by HJw on May 1, 2001 06:47 PM ]
[ edited by HJw on May 1, 2001 06:48 PM ]
posted on May 1, 2001 06:54:15 PM
mint4you, my first husband taught me something and he taught it very well. For some people, the fun is in the debate. Sometimes, we'll lose an argument, not because we are wrong, but because we can't argue as well.
Many of the posters here are very well versed in the art of debate. With my ex, many times I knew I was right, but he could argue circles around me. I don't believe that this is a sign of intelligence, but rather a skill that is learned.
Many times, when on the receiving end of the debate, it feels as though you are being picked on. What I learned from my ex is that you just have to smile, shake your head and walk away. If you take it all personally, you won't learn anything and you'll give yourself ulcers.
posted on May 1, 2001 07:04:10 PM
... and letting someone have the last word doesn't mean that they have "won" the argument. It just means that they posted last.
posted on May 1, 2001 07:21:57 PM
attention: lords of the boards,hosts of the posts, heads of the threads! social acceptance is hereby declared null and void. carry on as usual! seriously, i think the better question(albeit one that will remain unanswered) raised by nearthesea, is whether or not, or to what degree, posters challenge, insult, or otherwise flex their verbal muscles more than they would in person.
posted on May 1, 2001 07:34:33 PM
did some subversive group abduct the cows from the other thread and drop them off here? only the contented ones i hope! do thin cows give skim milk?
