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Why do we debate politics?

Stevicus

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
As I was responding to a recent thread, some random thoughts came to mind as I recalling my own experiences of discussing politics with others - friends, family, classmates, co-workers - as well as countless random and anonymous individuals over the internet.

But then I think to myself: Why do I do this? It's obviously not for any monetary reward.

Thinking back to when I was a kid, I recall that politics was also a major topic of discussion in my family. Every family gathering (at least on my mom's side) would invariably become a heated and loud political discussion. My parents' divorce also seemed to be somewhat related to political differences, as my mother was a liberal Democrat and my father was a conservative Republican. Nixon was president at the time.

So, at least in my own case, growing up in a family where politics was constantly discussed undoubtedly left some kind of indelible imprint upon me. I discussed politics in school, with both peers and teachers.

Things changed somewhat when we moved to Arizona when I was still in high school. I started to become more exposed to political ideas and philosophies which were somewhat difficult to take at first. My father was a conservative, although he subscribed to a different brand of conservatism than what I encountered here in AZ. But I still kept interest in politics in general and enjoyed discussing it with people regardless of their point of view.

Of course, not everyone has the same passion for politics as others - and many people eschew political discussion altogether. But as the internet started to get bigger, I found Usenet and other forums for discussing politics, philosophy, religion, and just about everything else under the sun. All these other people posting and chatting about their views, just like me.

But then, periodically I would encounter those who would ask: Why do this? It all seems like a pointless waste of time, so why bother? What's the point?

I suppose for some, it might be a kind of release or outlet. (I've come across those who seem to think it's like an online video game, as there are those who would crow about "pwning" someone in a political debate.)

So, for those of you who actively participate in political debates (here or elsewhere), why do you do it? What motivates you? Is it meant to be a release? Or are there those who might believe it will make a difference? Or maybe it's just killing time? Are there those who feel it brings out a competitive spirit, like in a game, where one can take pride in winning a debate over the internet?
 

Quetzal

A little to the left and slightly out of focus.
Premium Member
So, for those of you who actively participate in political debates (here or elsewhere), why do you do it? What motivates you? Is it meant to be a release? Or are there those who might believe it will make a difference? Or maybe it's just killing time? Are there those who feel it brings out a competitive spirit, like in a game, where one can take pride in winning a debate over the internet?
My answer has changed drastically over the last few years. I used to do it online to appear as the smartest guy in the room. I wanted to "win".

Recently, I enjoy in hearing a perspective that is different than mine. As long as things remain civil, I do not mind heated argument. The goal now is to learn and understand, even if the latter is tough sometimes. :D
 

Nakosis

Non-Binary Physicalist
Premium Member
So, for those of you who actively participate in political debates (here or elsewhere), why do you do it? What motivates you? Is it meant to be a release? Or are there those who might believe it will make a difference? Or maybe it's just killing time? Are there those who feel it brings out a competitive spirit, like in a game, where one can take pride in winning a debate over the internet?

I like to try to understand what's going on in the world. I assume being better informed I can make better choices.

I also find it is difficult to find any unbiased reliable sources and I've come to conclude that there is no real "winning" in politics. Most of these issues have been debated for 100's of years.

There are usually pros and cons on both sides. Whatever choices are made, there are going to be costs. So it ends up being about whatever values you feel are more important.
 

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
I was a political animal back even 60 years ago, and that never has changed. But what has changed is that I went from being Republican to being much more of a (selective) Democrat, largely caused by the Republicans being more anti-civil rights, pro-warrior, and pro-big $ (for them). Now, under Trump, they are even more so.
 

icehorse

......unaffiliated...... anti-dogmatist
Premium Member
I debate politics online in the hopes that everyone debating and lurking has the possibility of learning something. I think that all over the world, we'd be better off if the citizenry was better informed.
 

sun rise

The world is on fire
Premium Member
So, for those of you who actively participate in political debates (here or elsewhere), why do you do it? What motivates you?

Somewhat it's the way I was brought up - politics were part of the family albeit with everyone agreeing that the left side was the correct side.

Partly because of frustration with the way things are - wanting them to be better - and believing that my ideas are the correct ideas.

Partly because I hope that at least one person will be slightly influenced by what I write.
 

Kapalika

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
I was a political animal back even 60 years ago, and that never has changed. But what has changed is that I went from being Republican to being much more of a (selective) Democrat, largely caused by the Republicans being more anti-civil rights, pro-warrior, and pro-big $ (for them). Now, under Trump, they are even more so.

60 years? Wow I'm a little suprised lol
 

Jumi

Well-Known Member
I try to take a step back from my own political views when talking about politics. I have no love for parties or politics, but I fear for the consequences of not having them checked or for positive policies to be derailed due to partisanship. Avoiding war, loss of lives and liberty is something I think about. It's pretty common for folks to misunderstand where I'm coming from.
 

Subduction Zone

Veteran Member
I debate politics online in the hopes that everyone debating and lurking has the possibility of learning something. I think that all over the world, we'd be better off if the citizenry was better informed.
Same here. I have found that I can not only learn from both people that agree with me and those that do not. Though not so much lately for the latter case.
 

metis

aged ecumenical anthropologist
60 years? Wow I'm a little suprised lol
Yep, I was in junior high when I took an interest because my parents were heavily involved in local politics but followed national politics as well.

Now, even though I'm 73, I actually look like I'm 37-- just ask my wife.

On second thought, ...
 

Subduction Zone

Veteran Member
Yep, I was in junior high when I took an interest because my parents were heavily involved in local politics but followed national politics as well.

Now, even though I'm 73, I actually look like I'm 37-- just ask my wife.

On second thought, ...
What a coincidence, I look 16!
 

tayla

My dog's name is Tayla
for those of you who actively participate in political debates (here or elsewhere), why do you do it?
Those who vote need to discuss politics. Better yet, they need to be informed on the issues and on political philosophy in general.
 

Valjean

Veteran Member
Premium Member
Politics determines the quality of our lives; the fate of society and of all life on Earth. How could we not debate it?
 

Stevicus

Veteran Member
Staff member
Premium Member
Politics determines the quality of our lives; the fate of society and of all life on Earth. How could we not debate it?

Yeah, I get that. But some might argue that that's all the more reason to be more politically active and marching in the streets.
 

GoodbyeDave

Well-Known Member
A British politician once defined a Conservative as some-one who felt that there were more important things in life than politics. That must be why I've always voted for them and seldom debated politics.
 
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