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Posted on Feb 14, 2015
I propose that RP ban all Questions/Discussions relating directly to RELIGION. What are your thoughts?
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Religious questions/discussions have/are causing problems in RP. Most responses/comments are respectful; however, some posts are not and members are personally attacking other members.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
If this issue is not dealt with expeditiously, RP stands to lose a lot of good members. We have plenty of other topics - ban all religious topics.
Edit as of 6,976 views, 1,228 votes and 491 responses/comments:
My intent with this question was to engage RP members in a discussion concerning in what I believe to be an increasing trend of unprofessional and disrespectful comments. I wanted people to arrive at the conclusion that banning a topic was not the answer, but rather doing something about the individuals making the unprofessional and/or disrespectful comments. In addition to that, I was hoping many members would not only identify the problem being individuals, but also come up with suggestions about how to deal with those individuals.
It is more than having a thick skin - we all have a military background and know what it means to be professional and respectful - it is my opinion there is no room here for members to be threatened, taunted or belittled. We can discuss any topic, agree to disagree, and verbalize our opinion or point of view without having to go there.
I realize there are already ways to report members on RP. Getting additional ideas and suggestions for improvements can never hurt, and most importantly, if we would police our own, giving down votes on unprofessional/disrespectful comments, and calling these individuals out, we can hopefully get them to change their behavior or help RP admins identify the ones who might need to take a break or be banned.
Last and certainly no the least, I am a devoted Christian, and would never support a ban on any topic. I know my question said that, but go back and read why I did it that way.
Posted in these groups: 
Religion
RallyPoint
Religion RallyPoint
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 158
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IMHO, the issue would be better dealt with by enforcing civil discussion rather than by banning a topic. Any topic.
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MSG Floyd Williams
If RP can create a private chat room or forum with a special code for members to discuss sensitive topics, I believe members would be more comfortable without worrying if somebody will criticize or pull rank to intimidate. If it is possible it will be a win win situation, and no division and hate and discontent.
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GySgt Joe Strong
Agreed. Frankly, while there a lots of great and innocent people on both sides of many issues in the broader category; there are also a lot of posters whose initial question starts off the whole thread on an inflammatory note (and that's occurring in much more than just the religion threads). I'd give an example but they're so easy to find and it would essentially be calling someone out.
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CSM Jim Dula.... It doesn't matter what the topic may be, you will always have some unhappy campers. The topic can be on Religion, Race, Gender, Politics, some people will be offended about Valentine's Day, just to name a few. Somebody will be offended and get on the defensive, an individual accused me of trying to force my religion on people. He couldn't find one comment I made on a post promoting religion, getting rid of religious topics won't make or break anyone. We learn in the military to adapt and overcome, being successful isn't comfortable it is a process, struggle, and a price to achieve but some people will get offended if you give a lecture on being successful. Sure RP may lose some, but I'm more than sure new members will fill the gaps.
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I disagree... I have no issue with religious topics here... What I have an issue with is people attacking others because of their choice of religion/non-religion, or the over-zealous shoving of one's own beliefs down someone else's throat.
Here's my question: If I have a question, a deep question, about a religious topic, and need some guidance - preferably from like minded individuals, should I be banned from asking such a question?
And, if you ban religious statements/questions, should we next ban political ones because someone doesn't like a conservative or liberal point of view - which I guarantee you is more of a hot topic button than religion - though only by a few degrees?
Here's my question: If I have a question, a deep question, about a religious topic, and need some guidance - preferably from like minded individuals, should I be banned from asking such a question?
And, if you ban religious statements/questions, should we next ban political ones because someone doesn't like a conservative or liberal point of view - which I guarantee you is more of a hot topic button than religion - though only by a few degrees?
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MSG Floyd Williams
SFC Marc Wayman....If you know the person who can answer your answer my suggestion is to send him or her a message, your questions and comments will be confidential. In this cyber world there are PC gangster everywhere looking for an opportunity to stir up and cause division, they live for that moment. During my day as a child growing up, there was a name for people like that called "sour pus" always bitter and never satisfied maybe that could be their way of crying for help, I don't know just a thought.
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SFC (Join to see)
MSG Floyd Williams: I realize that there are those (modern day sour pus'es are called "trolls" now) who deliberately go out of their way to stir up problems, crap, and try to piss off or bully whoever their target de jour is at the moment. That still doesn't mean that a valid post about religion should be banned from being posted.
What I think RP needs to do, is better segregate the questions by type: Perhaps tabs at the top of the feed page - "Politics", "General Military", "Military Specific", "Religion", "Jokes/Fun", etc... Then, you can click the tab you have an interest in that day, and not have to see anything that you don't feel like viewing, such as religion... thereby, giving you a "choice"...
Just my 2¢
What I think RP needs to do, is better segregate the questions by type: Perhaps tabs at the top of the feed page - "Politics", "General Military", "Military Specific", "Religion", "Jokes/Fun", etc... Then, you can click the tab you have an interest in that day, and not have to see anything that you don't feel like viewing, such as religion... thereby, giving you a "choice"...
Just my 2¢
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I say we ban all topics regarding Ranger School too. Everyone get's their panties in a twist about that. Way too touchy. Don't want people getting offended.
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My honest take is, if we remain professional, we can talk about anything.
If you're not sure how to conduct yourself as such, just imagine that every response or debate is happening "in person." If you're seperated from the military, imagine you're still in uniform.
If all of the members discussing any topic were in uniform and sitting around a table, I bet we would conduct ourselves accordingly and as professionals.
If not, then we might as well ban politics, sexual preference, and every other "hot" topic.
What seperates RP from any other open forum is the uniform and our service to our country and each other. Why is it so hard to remain professional?
If you're not sure how to conduct yourself as such, just imagine that every response or debate is happening "in person." If you're seperated from the military, imagine you're still in uniform.
If all of the members discussing any topic were in uniform and sitting around a table, I bet we would conduct ourselves accordingly and as professionals.
If not, then we might as well ban politics, sexual preference, and every other "hot" topic.
What seperates RP from any other open forum is the uniform and our service to our country and each other. Why is it so hard to remain professional?
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I reserve my down votes for those responses/comments that are aggressive or disrespectful. I don't just down vote someone if I disagree with them. I think maybe this is one way we could assist RP in pinpointing those people with a track record of being disrespectful. If a member chooses to behave immaturely they should be suspended from making comments for a month.
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MAJ Laurie H.
SrA (Join to see) CSM (Join to see) SGT (Join to see) Members can flag other members from their profile page using the little blue flag in the top section (this isn't available yet on mobile).
We've also released an abuse form folks can fill out if they feel a member is not acting professionally: https://www.rallypoint.com/static_pages/abuse. We're working on a better method to report users, but this is our temporary solution.
Whichever way you choose to report a member, the more details you can provide the better. Links to specific discussions and comments are extremely helpful when it comes to looking into these issues. We regularly suspend members who violate our posting guidelines in Answers.
http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1545301
We've also released an abuse form folks can fill out if they feel a member is not acting professionally: https://www.rallypoint.com/static_pages/abuse. We're working on a better method to report users, but this is our temporary solution.
Whichever way you choose to report a member, the more details you can provide the better. Links to specific discussions and comments are extremely helpful when it comes to looking into these issues. We regularly suspend members who violate our posting guidelines in Answers.
http://support.rallypoint.com/customer/portal/articles/1545301
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CSM (Join to see)
MAJ Laurie H. , How do members find this form other than the link you listed - is there a shortcut or dropdown on the header bar or anywhere else for the form?
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Politics Religion. Two of the most explosive topics. Better to remain professional when tackling these subjects. If we as professionals can't remain professional when talking these subjects, then don't comment. It's on each one of us to police ourselves and keep the standards as they should be.
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MSG Floyd Williams
CSM Jim Dula....I was replying about a comment was made about trust somewhere in this topic, but I do agree with SGM Mikel Dawson if a person can't be professional they shouldn't comment. Some people get too emotional at the point they latch out forgetting about professionalism, I guess it can happen to the best of us. As for the lower enlisted ranks, it came to mind during my last deployment how senior leaders showed the subordinates how unconcern they can be. I had to address the issue a few times, but it fell on deaf ears.
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CSM (Join to see)
Thank you MSG Floyd Williams for the reply and the respectful tone you used. It is encouraging to converse with someone who is professional and respectful of others, even if they disagree. It is very unfortunate you had the experience with your senior leadership on your last deployment. Hopefully it was an isolated incident. I have known other senior leaders like that, but please believe there were/are some out there that care about their lower enlisted, and all those in their command.
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MSG Floyd Williams
CSM Jim Dula....Thank you for understanding, we are on the same team and the only way to accomplish anything is to work together. What I had experienced isn't new, I'm sure every Army Post stateside and overseas have the same issues. It takes discipline and practice to maintain control under uncomfortable situations, it is amazing how some people explode because of something they read in social media. And the kicker is after he or she sound off that individual didn't change nothing, when we post ideas and opinions it suppose to inspire and impact those who are still serving to help strengthen their leadership ability. I hope those who have a hard time communicating right except what everyone else is bringing to the table, it is about learning and gaining experience.
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1SG David Lopez
It is refreshing to openly discuss and know that as a united group, we want all members to be professional and curtious when responding to all topics on RP. Whether we know it or not, we are always setting an example for our lower enlisted, we are representing our branch, our MOS, etc. These are important topics of discussion, we all learn from one another. Professional discussion equates to valuable lessons learned. Personally, I find myself reading more responses and learning from them, than I do actually responding to them. Thanks.
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I do not see the benefit of banning a topic because it is controversial. We are (or should be at least) professionals, and that means that we conduct ourselves in a professional manner. We would lose more from banning a controversial topic that has woven itself into the fabric of many of our lives than we would by standing up for what we believe in and weeding out those that cannot remain respectful.
Just my humble opinion of course.
Just my humble opinion of course.
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I disagree . . . if for no other reason then "why stop there?" Should we ban all discussions of politics too?? What else??? I submit that such restrictions would lead to the loss of many good members.
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Cpl Brett Wagner
GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad - You are the perfect example of why the Marine Corps has Gunny's. They are always making sense out of everything for us troops.
To me the Gunny was always the best source for advice and help.
Semper Fi!
To me the Gunny was always the best source for advice and help.
Semper Fi!
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