Politics and Incivility

[JimThompson]

Good day, all. Relatively new here and looking forward to getting to know you all.

I'm jumping into the deep end of the pool here, but I believe I have hit my gag reflex point when it comes to the level of incivility that exists between people, particularly when it comes to politics. Robert Heinlein once noted that "a dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than a riot." We seem to have reached that point. Consider this:

http://freebeacon.com/culture/gq-writer-apologizes-violent-tweet-pat-smit/

There is no one to root for, as my father used to say, in this story. Not the mother who was encouraged to publicly go off on an emotional rant, nor the writer who felt the need to respond in kind. And rather than acknowledge both individuals were out of line, people instead are lining up behind one or the other, more invested in beating the other side than they are in actually doing anything at all useful.

At what point, I wonder, do people wake up and see exactly what it is they have become?

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to get that off my chest. Look forward to reading your thoughts on the matter.

 

[Unbreakable Lex]

People are completely out of control and using language they berate the other side for using. It's all horrible. People picking sides regardless of decency, truth, being in the right, tossing out law if it doesn't favor their side... Society is at a changing point, no doubt.

 

[JimThompson]

People are completely out of control and using language they berate the other side for using. It's all horrible. People picking sides regardless of decency, truth, being in the right, tossing out law if it doesn't favor their side... Society is at a changing point, no doubt.

The coarsening of daily life has been discouraging, though perhaps not unexpected. It may well be the natural result of the growing "well, that's your problem" attitude that has become ever more present.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

Shadow boxing...

 

[JimThompson]

Shadow boxing...

I'm sorry? Not sure what point you are trying to make here.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

I'm sorry? Not sure what point you are trying to make here.

Of course you don't. 18 posts on a site about super heroes, all in relation to issues of politics...

Welcome back.

 

[JimThompson]

Of course you don't. 18 posts on a site about super heroes, all in relation to issues of politics...

Welcome back.

The site seems somewhat short on actual discussion of comics.

That said, still not sure what you're on about.

 

[KRYPTON INC.]

The site seems somewhat short on actual discussion of comics.

That said, still not sure what you're on about.

So you just are ignoring all the sub forums based on all the films and movies adapting super heroes? That sounds pretty obtuse. You come to a forum called SUPERHERO HYPE to discuss politics?

Keep on Shadow boxing.

 

[Evelisse]

heh

 

[Matt Mortem]

It is somewhat fishy that all of his posts thus far have been political.

 

[Charlatan]

It's hard to be civil with people who have a lynch mob mentality and facts don't get in the way of their thinking.
for example the prosecution of Hillary by Christie last night was just shy of handing out pitchforks and torches.
Even Trump's people are calling for her to be put before a firing squad.

How do you reason with that?

 

[Matt Mortem]

The truth is that due to more and more extreme rhetoric from both sides the center of the political spectrum has been obliterated, even though I'd say most Americans are centrists. There's good and bad in both left and right, but the lack of any compromise and willingness to work together makes the political arena hellish for all.

 

[Charlatan]

The truth is that due to more and more extreme rhetoric from both sides the center of the political spectrum has been obliterated, even though I'd say most Americans are centrists. There's good and bad in both left and right, but the lack of any compromise and willingness to work together makes the political arena hellish for all.

I'd say that something just as poison to having a discussion is the idea that both sides of an argument hold weight. The media does this all the time and gives an absurd notion the same weight as fact.
It's a disservice to not call it out when it's used as a tactic. Also this notion that both sides of this political discourse is equally as bad on both sides is a false statement. Look at the candidate the GOP has selected. He ran on 2 things. Racism and Nationalism. Xenophobia isn't just a psychological disorder it's a political platform.

 

[JimThompson]

So you just are ignoring all the sub forums based on all the films and movies adapting super heroes? That sounds pretty obtuse. You come to a forum called SUPERHERO HYPE to discuss politics?

Keep on Shadow boxing.

Actually, thanks to your comment I saw the tab you were talking about, so thank you for that.

As for the rest I don't know what to tell you. I don't even really understand why you're upset.

 

[JimThompson]

The truth is that due to more and more extreme rhetoric from both sides the center of the political spectrum has been obliterated, even though I'd say most Americans are centrists. There's good and bad in both left and right, but the lack of any compromise and willingness to work together makes the political arena hellish for all.

I agree -- though what you're saying is sort of tangential to my original thought.

 

[Iceman]

Good day, all. Relatively new here and looking forward to getting to know you all.

I'm jumping into the deep end of the pool here, but I believe I have hit my gag reflex point when it comes to the level of incivility that exists between people, particularly when it comes to politics. Robert Heinlein once noted that "a dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than a riot." We seem to have reached that point. Consider this:

http://freebeacon.com/culture/gq-writer-apologizes-violent-tweet-pat-smit/

There is no one to root for, as my father used to say, in this story. Not the mother who was encouraged to publicly go off on an emotional rant, nor the writer who felt the need to respond in kind. And rather than acknowledge both individuals were out of line, people instead are lining up behind one or the other, more invested in beating the other side than they are in actually doing anything at all useful.

At what point, I wonder, do people wake up and see exactly what it is they have become?

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to get that off my chest. Look forward to reading your thoughts on the matter.

Completely agreed, and it has gotten so much worse with the style of internet news reporting nowadays and social media and comments sections. Everyone seems to only be concerned with furthering their side's cause forcefully regardless of the news in question.