Who fires the first shot?

[PoetPhilosopher]

Ridiculous. Most Leftists demonstrate an appalling ignorance of science. Many of them don’t even realize that it is a system of careful study in pursuit of knowledge. Why some of them even think that science can be sprinkled in pinches like seasonings or pixie dust.

I could be wrong, but I take the personal stance that both misunderstand science to some extent, and that the truth is actually in between.

I'm focusing on the big picture and not the smaller pictures, though. So in myself saying this, I'm not accusing @Father Heathen at all of misunderstanding science. I certainly didn't mean it like that.

 

[danieldemol]

I think it dpends on the person. I've noticed that some people who are liberal are as bad as the conservatives when it comes to ad-hominem (assuming thats what you mean by shots fired), but it seems to be a more consistent feature of the right who do not appear to base their assertions in science and reason, and thus must resort to ad-hominem to back up their positions.

In my opinion

 

[Jeremiah Ames]

We use labels all the time, though? Like, how many of the 300-odd millions of your compatriots have you actually treated as individuals with a vast and diverse spectrum of ideas on morals, politics, and society?

Labels are a time-saving measure, a mental crutch if you will. If I don't have time to deal with a person as a person (because there are hundreds of others around who would demand a similar treatment) I simply file them away with a couple of labels without needing to think about them a lot. You may have noticed that group cohesion tends to get iffier and iffier the larger the group becomes - and that's because as we encounter more and more people on a daily basis, we might interact with fewer of them in such a way that we can actually treat them as individuals in their own right, but rather start treating most of them as labels to be filed away.

This is one reason why so many larger groups tend to rely on scapegoating and external enemies to maintain cohesion - it's much easier to find common ground that way, and you don't even need to treat most of your in-group as people, either - you can still file them away as labels like "patriot", "loyalist" etc. and be done with them mentally, while still feeling the emotional advantage of being part of something bigger.

I agree with you, but I think you’re speaking of doing so within your own head.
That is definitely useful.
I was talking about labeling people to their face in a negative way.

Here’s a couple of examples: You are a kind person.
Now you don’t mind me saying that to your face.
But what about being called a radical leftist?
I see and hear that one a lot.

 

[Kooky]

I agree with you, but I think you’re speaking of doing so within your own head.
That is definitely useful.
I was talking about labeling people to their face in a negative way.

Here’s a couple of examples: You are a kind person.
Now you don’t mind me saying that to your face.
But what about being called a radical leftist?
I see and hear that one a lot.

Calling me a radical leftist would be a fairly accurate assessment of my political positions overall, but I get your point.
It is rarely useful to break out these labels in actual conversation, and is probably a sign of disrespect in many circumstances.

 

[Father Heathen]

Ridiculous. Most Leftists demonstrate an appalling ignorance of science. Many of them don’t even realize that it is a system of careful study in pursuit of knowledge. Why some of them even think that science can be sprinkled in pinches like seasonings or pixie dust.

Simmer down, son. If I mix some of the science power with water, I can create a balm for your butthurt.

 

[Revoltingest]

I'm creating a poll - it won't be a perfect poll based on the majority of RF being Left - but a poll where I ask who usually fires the first shot in terms of heated RF political discussion - the Left or the Right?

I'll be honest. I'm going to vote that my own side tends to fire the first shot the most. But I also think the Right does fire the first shot sometimes, then tends to downplay it when it happens.

Even so, I sympathize with the Right, here. They may see me as a part of the problem, but in trying to be more bipartisan / not cause partisan chaos, you have to start somewhere. One of you has to extend hand to the other to shake sometimes, even if it can be hard. And even if mutual agreement on subjects is a highly gradual thing.

Can't vote.
Missing option.
I fire the first shot.
But I allow others at times.

 

[Jeremiah Ames]

Calling me a radical leftist would be a fairly accurate assessment of my political positions overall, but I get your point.
It is rarely useful to break out these labels in actual conversation, and is probably a sign of disrespect in many circumstances.

Correct.

I don’t have a problem being called a radical leftist either, if it is done respectfully, not just to dismiss me and everything I say.

 

[ElishaElijah]

Simmer down, son. If I mix some of the science power with water, I can create a balm for your butthurt.

That’s where you went? Lol

 

[Heyo]

Han shot first.

 

[Stevicus]

Han shot first.

Han was the man.