by *Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle Y.
Member since:
January 16, 2007

Debate is art not an axe!

December 06, 2007 03:24 PM UTC
views: 0 | comments: 20

On Gather debate has become a forum to hate. Private groups are sent out like armies of ants.  They send out private messages to attack other members.   Cannibalism is alive and well.   Pacifists disguise their identies under mantels of  words.  War mongers see no other way but there own.  Most people swing left or right, but ultimately, we are on the same side.  We want the same things for America.  Yet, I have started to stay away from politics. It's the element of hatred on Gather that some have propagated almost to the ruination of debate. Debate is art not an axe!

 

Comments: 20

Apryl Just Apryl Dec 6, 2007, 3:27pm UTC
AMEN!!!!
Michael C. Dec 6, 2007, 3:28pm UTC
Any time you open up a topic for discussion, you open it up to heated debate. Some topics are obviously more prone to this than others, and to varying degrees of 'heat' in said debate.

And often times, people will resort to 'name calling' and other demeaning tactics, to beat down the opposing view. This is the axe I believe you are referring to.

Axe weilding is often the tactic used when one group is only interested in the opposing side sitting down and shutting up because "I'm right and you are an idiot"...
Susan E. Dec 6, 2007, 3:31pm UTC
I think open debate is critical. I also think that one of the reasons we are in trouble as a nation is that we don't seem to be able to find open debate without personal attacks. It's all about the discussion. My opinion is right for me. I don't need to change someone's mind, but I do want them to understand my point of view. I also like to try to understand other points of view.
vickie f. Dec 6, 2007, 3:32pm UTC
Great thoughts. I too have started staying out of thoes debates. It is not debates as you said, there is always someone waiting to jump on you, for any thing.
To many angry people out there,they are not happy and do not want anyone else to be.
So you have a good holiday season,safe journeys
Midnite Writer -- Kim Dec 6, 2007, 3:34pm UTC
Liked the title of this article. I don't generally get into debates. If something doesn't interest me I simply don't comment. I think some people (as in life) on Gather are just wanting to pick a fight or down rate you. I get down raters, but I think of them as cowards.

I won't post anything political or controversial unless I approve comments first because despite all the nice 600+ contacts I have, there are those that lurk in the shadows that aren't so nice.

Well-written article, Carol.
Vivian P. Dec 6, 2007, 3:47pm UTC
I hate politics
Danielle P. Dec 6, 2007, 3:51pm UTC
I so agree with you. Some have been commenting very negatively on my articles and I checked we aren't even connected so I couldn't delete them!!!
I try to be a positive person and like debate, but I don't like what you refer to as the axe. I abhor name calling in any form. I think it is a sign of ignorance.
Truth Always Dec 6, 2007, 4:01pm UTC
Most arguements come from religion and politics. Why? Dont know, but it seems to be the truth
I agree, Carol. I've mostly avoided the political discussions for just this reason. I just can't handle that level of vitriol.
Marsha F. Dec 6, 2007, 4:39pm UTC
I agree, and I too, tend to stay out of discussions on topics that I DO care about because there is always someone waiting to try to see if they can cut you with their words, if you don't agree with their point of view. Life has enough real issues without being cut down on a forum where you come to read and enjoy making friends!!
Marianne R. Dec 6, 2007, 5:03pm UTC
This is one of the taboo subjects. Religion is another. I just stay away, very far away. I don't come to Gather to fan flames. There's nothing fun or entertaining about that.
Sandra T. Dec 6, 2007, 5:19pm UTC
I completely agree with you 8)
Larry H. Dec 6, 2007, 6:11pm UTC
Thanks for sharing..
Michelle W. Dec 6, 2007, 6:58pm UTC
I also try to stay away unless I have a question about something that I want answered and want to hear all sides of it.
*Carol ~Bronx Southern Belle Y. Dec 6, 2007, 7:10pm UTC
I love debate but not attacks.
Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Dec 6, 2007, 10:11pm UTC
I avoid anything to do with politics.
A. F. Stewart Dec 7, 2007, 9:33am UTC
I agree, debate is an art. Too bad it is not practised today.
Sarah (I want points) Dec 7, 2007, 2:46pm UTC
I think people are very passionate about things and so it can turn out badly. I wish that it weren't so.
Leah Christensen Dec 8, 2007, 10:29pm UTC
I just ignore it. I don't have time for their petty crap!
Jerri H. Dec 11, 2007, 1:06am UTC
I am behind in comments, but I wanted to let you know I stopped by to view your content and thank you for posting to I was bored :)

Here is a 10 :)

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