Conflict and disharmony in online social environments

[antonjarrod]

Greetings,

I am currently in the process of sharing my perspective with various communities, but I observe through various productions that there is a great deal of conflict and disharmony that rests in the consciousness of many community members, and which sits behind their will, leading them to many acts of vanity and intolerance towards others in their activities in online forums, which must hinder their development.

As I was reflecting upon this today, and while I did consider not sharing this further, it also occurred to me that it may be appropriate to share my reflection with others and to suggest that others reflect upon the ways in which they may also be expressing intolerance in one form or another, as they may also likewise not be expressing the same, although I did wonder that others may consider such a suggestion to be inappropriate in some way (where I would then suggest that the post be removed immediately).

It is not at all my intention to promote my own views, or to interfere with those of others, or elicit any response, although it is consistent with my current thinking that sharing views can have many positive effects. My own orientation is genuinely based in peace and love, though I would never impose it upon any other individual, whose own orientations I respect entirely.

Anton

 

[Revoltingest]

Some posters sure do get angry at those who disagree.
Anger & abuse won't convert them.
Best to give up the need that others agree.
This is calming.

 

[sojourner]

Some posters sure do get angry at those who disagree.
Anger & abuse won't convert them.
Best to give up the need that others agree.
This is calming.

...but Revolting!

 

[Reverend Rick]

It is not at all my intention to promote my own views, or to interfere with those of others, or elicit any response, although it is consistent with my current thinking that sharing views can have many positive effects. My own orientation is genuinely based in peace and love, though I would never impose it upon any other individual, whose own orientations I respect entirely.

Anton

You hit the nail squarely on the head. Many people do not respect others opinions and beliefs. They want change as most young folks do and run into this wall of opposition. They cannot understand that some folks are happy with the way things currently are. They are frustrated and they cannot hide their contempt. Change comes slowly if at all and the only way you can bring about change is win over the hearts and minds of others. Attacking the opposition only results in people digging in even deeper. The answer is showing respect and finding common ground to build concensus upon. Most folks are too impatient for that approach.

 

[Revoltingest]

You hit the nail squarely on the head. Many people do not respect others opinions and beliefs. They want change as most young folks do and run into this wall of opposition. They cannot understand that some folks are happy with the way things currently are. They are frustrated and they cannot hide their contempt. Change comes slowly if at all and the only way you can bring about change is win over the hearts and minds of others. Attacking the opposition only results in people digging in even deeper. The answer is showing respect and finding common ground to build concensus upon. Most folks are too impatient for that approach.

I'll clarify what I infer from your post. There are many beliefs & arguments for which I have no respect, but I want to
remain civil & thoughtful towards those who suffer from disagreement with me. Not everyone is revolting. This is OK.

 

[Reverend Rick]

Oh, I know I am messed up but I like myself this way. I would not suggest following in my foot prints however. All I know is I can look at myself in the mirror and don't have to look over my shoulder when I go out.

 

[Revoltingest]

Oh, I know I am messed up but I like myself this way. I would not suggest following in my foot prints however. All I know is I can look at myself in the mirror and don't have to look over my shoulder when I go out.

Look more carefully....I'm sneaky.

 

[beerisit]

Oh, I know I am messed up but I like myself this way. I would not suggest following in my foot prints however. All I know is I can look at myself in the mirror and don't have to look over my shoulder when I go out.

What makes you think that those who question your beliefs are any different?

 

[Reverend Rick]

What makes you think that those who question your beliefs are any different?

They don't question my beliefs, they challenge them. I don't have a problem with atheists, for the most part, I get along quite well with them when they accept me for who I am. Mutual respect goes a long way.

 

[beerisit]

Yes agreed

 

[antonjarrod]

The answer is showing respect and finding common ground to build concensus upon.

This is consistent with my own view.

Most folks are too impatient for that approach.

I agree that patience, and virtuous action in general, among other things, is necessary.

There are, of course, many ideas, ways, and methods, for developing the ability to show respect, achieve patience and virtuous action, which are necessary to even start establishing a real common ground, and many ideas concerning how individuals and communities may proceed towards these goals. I hope that those who earnestly and genuinely seek such things will find them, and those who do not will find what they otherwise seek.

Anton

 

[9Westy9]

I'd like to think that I'm always respectful towards other posters, despite how much I disagree. Not sure if I always achieve that though.

 

[Reverend Rick]

I'd like to think that I'm always respectful towards other posters, despite how much I disagree. Not sure if I always achieve that though.

None of us are perfect. It is putting forth the effort that makes this a great place however.

 

[Agnostic75]

The answer is showing respect and finding common ground to build concensus upon.

That is often a useful, and productive approach. How do you suggest that your approach be used regarding strongly-held opnions, and strongly held religious beliefs regarding such issues as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion, and physician assisted suicide?

 

[sojourner]

You hit the nail squarely on the head. Many people do not respect others opinions and beliefs. They want change as most young folks do and run into this wall of opposition. They cannot understand that some folks are happy with the way things currently are. They are frustrated and they cannot hide their contempt. Change comes slowly if at all and the only way you can bring about change is win over the hearts and minds of others. Attacking the opposition only results in people digging in even deeper. The answer is showing respect and finding common ground to build concensus upon. Most folks are too impatient for that approach.

Many folks are also
1) too egocentric, and
2) too fixated on uniformity, rather than diversity.

 

[sojourner]

Greetings,

I am currently in the process of sharing my perspective with various communities, but I observe through various productions that there is a great deal of conflict and disharmony that rests in the consciousness of many community members, and which sits behind their will, leading them to many acts of vanity and intolerance towards others in their activities in online forums, which must hinder their development.

As I was reflecting upon this today, and while I did consider not sharing this further, it also occurred to me that it may be appropriate to share my reflection with others and to suggest that others reflect upon the ways in which they may also be expressing intolerance in one form or another, as they may also likewise not be expressing the same, although I did wonder that others may consider such a suggestion to be inappropriate in some way (where I would then suggest that the post be removed immediately).

It is not at all my intention to promote my own views, or to interfere with those of others, or elicit any response, although it is consistent with my current thinking that sharing views can have many positive effects. My own orientation is genuinely based in peace and love, though I would never impose it upon any other individual, whose own orientations I respect entirely.

Anton

I've noticed that the boards go through cycles of becoming fairly toxic. This seems to be one of those times. Way too much ridicule and dismissal going on, not to mention ad hominem gone wild. It's frustrating and very easy to get sucked in.
I'd also like to address this question from (I think) Agnostic

How do you suggest that your approach be used regarding strongly-held opnions, and strongly held religious beliefs regarding such issues as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion, and physician assisted suicide?

It's difficult, but just stick with points and the issues themselves -- not the personalities involved. Or stay out of the arguments altogether. Sometimes I have to do that. I get overwhelmed with the negativity, narrow-mindedness and ego-centrism.

 

[Reverend Rick]

That is often a useful, and productive approach. How do you suggest that your approach be used regarding strongly-held opnions, and strongly held religious beliefs regarding such issues as homosexuality, same-sex marriage, abortion, and physician assisted suicide?

I suggest each side of a debate stick to the facts and offer some sources or scholarship to back their opinions and never focus on the individual but remain focused on the opinions presented. Easy to say, hard to do. The biggest obstacle seems to be a lack of respect for different points of view. I may despise your position but I should respect your right to hold it.

 

[no-body]

There is nothing that makes me want to disrespect others beliefs more than being told that I have to, just because.

 

[Reverend Rick]

There is nothing that makes me want to disrespect others beliefs more than being told that I have to, just because.

Thats the thing, never argue with an idiot, people have a hard time telling who is who.

If you cannot respect someone, why bother debating them? Your not going to change your mind and they sure will not either.

Honestly, if I cannot respect someone, I will just ignore them.

My view is, if we are going to be a diverse society, we have to be tollerant of different views and if we want to be respected, we have to give to get.

Your milage may vary. This place is to learn from each other, not tell each other what to think or believe. During my 5 years here, I changed my position on same sex marriage. It was having fellowship with others that turned me around not disrespect.

 

[no-body]

Thats the thing, never argue with an idiot, people have a hard time telling who is who.

"if the fool would persist in his folly he would become wise"

If you cannot respect someone, why bother debating them? Your not going to change your mind and they sure will not either.

Debate is just for entertainment purposes, if it actually changes anyones mind that is a nice bonus.

Honestly, if I cannot respect someone, I will just ignore them.

My view is, if we are going to be a diverse society, we have to be tollerant of different views and if we want to be respected, we have to give to get.

Your milage may vary. This place is to learn from each other, not tell each other what to think or believe. During my 5 years here, I changed my position on same sex marriage. It was having fellowship with others that turned me around not disrespect.

There is a difference between respecting a person and respecting their beliefs.