Is it necessary to disagree with alternate points of views or observations and experiences without actually understanding your disagreement?

2018-02-18T12:12:21-05:00

SFC Anonymous on RP believes that my experiences shared on RP are BS, yet he is clueless about my point of view on the subject. I ask him to read my books to comprehend my views, but he refuses to read my books, because he feels my work is BS. Is such pointless disagreement necessary on RP? The disagreement was on PTSD and it's treatment.

Response by Capt Tom Brown made Feb 18 at 2018 12:17 PM

2018-02-18T12:17:43-05:00

It goes on everywhere every day. Not discussions, just disagreement and pushing one's own point of view or belief.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 18 at 2018 12:49 PM

2018-02-18T12:49:55-05:00

Don't sweat it. Another "Anonymous" didn't like one of my responses and pontificated all sorts of commentary on what I supposedly said. Problem is none of his words came close to matching mine, save one taken out of context. So if you take a look at the trend, it appears some users read whatever meaning into a post they want and then fire back. Inaccurate reading nets inaccurate understanding, hence inaccurate response. Others decide early that somehow you don't "qualify", hence aren't worth the read. Don't take it personally. RP membership, like anything else, is on a Bell Curve. You'll get some things you consider rather off the wall. However, sometimes you get stuff from the fringe that makes you rethink. I'd rather the fringe be there and I'll filter accordingly. Social media can provide both reward and frustration in unbalanced quantities.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-02-18T13:21:05-05:00

There are quite a few people here who are confident they are "right" about XYZ. They may not know what XYZ is, but they are qualified experts in their own minds. In cases like that, sir, all you can do is politely try to defend your point. If they choose not to listen, don't sweat it..move on.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Feb 18 at 2018 1:42 PM

2018-02-18T13:42:51-05:00

I don't think you should have an opinion without understanding at least your own point of view. This is a huge problem with this nation today; people love to latch on to a side withoit even understanding what they are supporting. It is ridiculous.

Response by CH (CPT) James L. Machado Workman made Feb 18 at 2018 2:40 PM

2018-02-18T14:40:36-05:00

I’m sorry you’ve had this experience. I think this is where the term “troll” comes from? If a person responds anonymously to a point of view in a discussion on social media and doesn’t identify themselves I have a hard time talking that person seriously. Especially on Rally Point where-in my experience-it seems that most discussions are respectful. I would respect the fact that you wrote a book. That is enough-even if I disagree with you-to give due deference to your opinion. If I’m not going to write a book I would think I would at least read one before adamantly disagreeing with it.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 3:45 PM

2018-02-18T15:45:10-05:00

Yes, today's news media exist for this very reason.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 4:02 PM

2018-02-18T16:02:55-05:00

Is it "necessary"? No of course not. But it's natural.
The premise of your question assumes that someone must research your point to prior to disagreeing with it. But the responsibility for making one's point and providing an effective argument is on the one making the point (you).
You can't tell someone to read this book, watch this video, etc and expect them to be convinced. To start with, no one has time for that. The onus is on you to understand your argument well enough to provide facts and scenarios.
Here's and example - you know polio vaccines save lives, another person disagrees and tells you to watch this Netflix documentary to prove thwir point. Is it necessary for you to watch it in order to disagree? Did they do a good job of conveying their point?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2018 8:47 PM

2018-02-18T20:47:04-05:00

Don't sweat the load. Not everyone on RP is here for positive reasons. Some post clickbait and wait to attack the first one to respond. Others refute your posts with no facts, just because they say so, or shout louder than you. If you stick around you'll see almost everything. Be thick skinned about it and don't lower yourself to their level. I've had to block a few because they shotgun spam 20-30 times a days for points, and one for being a total ass. I don't look at blocking as a free speech issue, but quality control. We are here voluntarily, but that doesn't mean we should force ourselves to be subjected to anti-social behavior. Think in terms of a spam filter.

Response by SFC Greg Bruorton made Feb 18 at 2018 10:10 PM

2018-02-18T22:10:26-05:00

CPT Gurinder Rana, don't sweat those that take enjoyment in the belittlement of personal beliefs and stances in life. What is important is that we all respond with courtesy and kindness, with no masquerading of insult language. Certainly, there are many who reject what you and I might profess, but that is natural man rearing its head. I applaud you for perseverance in attempting to elaborate points of interest, but in the long run you can only take a subject just so far with some folk and have to terminate the conversation. Recognize that point of stoppage so you can continue on in other topic matter with those in appreciation.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2018 8:02 AM

2018-02-19T08:02:17-05:00

Well first Sir you have to think about this, if they are anonymous most likely they are trolls, and will never have a true discussion with you, they cannot comprehend your point of view to begin with, and thus are bound to one point of illogical thought. I have little respect for anyone who comes on here anonymously and even less when they tend to try to degrade your opinion but never listen to facts or logical thought.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2018 8:06 AM

2018-02-19T08:06:21-05:00

Some folks just like to argue...and few enter a debate with any actual willingness to change their point of view if proven in error. In general, once I realize I'm speaking or communicating with someone who has already pre-determined anything I have to say is "wrong"...I find a decent way of exiting the conversation.

Response by SPC David Willis made Feb 19 at 2018 11:08 AM

2018-02-19T11:08:34-05:00

Anyone who stays anonymous and trolls is simply a bitch born of a bitch and frankly Id be surprised if they actually served. Id pay him no mind.

Response by SFC Robert Walton made Feb 20 at 2018 8:15 AM

2018-02-20T08:15:41-05:00

a healthy discussion is nice but if he SFC Anonymous is persists Then simply ignore him or block him.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Feb 20 at 2018 9:50 AM

2018-02-20T09:50:25-05:00

Feel free to disagree, but only if you understand what you are disagreeing with I say. I don't agree with some of your things- because I know from facts/experience- that PTSD is an individual thing and there is no magic pill/treatment that will work for all- but if it works on 1 then it's a good thing.

Response by SFC Charles McVey Sr. made Mar 12 at 2018 1:33 AM

2018-03-12T01:33:18-04:00

I ignore all Trolls, if they cannot identify themselves completely to include a photo, as well as a History of Service then I simply ignore them.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 3 at 2018 9:46 PM

2018-05-03T21:46:13-04:00

Sir, this is an argument that's been going on for ages. I do apologize for using politics to compare your military experiences.

Trolling and ignorance are the two biggest issues when it comes to facts, explaining facts from memory, and proving facts through your personal experiences. This is a legit issue I personally have with other friends, using false information through the mainstream (single source to prove their incorrect opinion, but still entitled to their opinion) while I would state a simple conflict of their position. In the end I'm called a slew of names, then I spend two to four hours (it took four hours during staff duty whereas I was discussing the neurological science about genuine transgender people versus this new generation of young Americans who identify as the opposite sex without any kind of treatment or even seeking mental health professionals) to elaborate my stance with multiple sources of information they can fully read through.

As for your specific argument, personally I find it dumb for anyone to argue over something without comprehending the basics of a conversation. While pushing the "they're being dumb" rhetoric isn't civil, I try to ignore them. We have plenty of service members who'll never grasp combat based ptsd, MST based ptsd, or other emotional/mental issues that stem from service. They're a grown adult, I know they can read or else they'd never be in service to begin off with. They chose to ignore or purposely call your work as fake, I'd ignore them.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made May 4 at 2018 1:48 PM

2018-05-04T13:48:25-04:00

Sir, have you ever had a conversation with a rock? I have found rocks can be easier than some people. There are those who are of the belief that mental health is a farce. We know from historical writings that Mental health from combat goes back to the Trojan War. Yet there are those who dismiss as a sign of weakness. There was at one time on You tube a video clip from none other than Audie Murphy, who talked about his struggles and why Veterans should seek help. I haven't been able to find it, but I have seen it myself so I know it is out there somewhere. But if Audie Murphy can admit, what is this guys problem?

Response by SSG Ryan Molton made May 6 at 2018 8:03 PM

2018-05-06T20:03:33-04:00

Are you upset because he disagrees? It’s a opinion just like yours brother.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2018 12:22 AM

2018-05-07T00:22:26-04:00

If you can't handle disagreement, don't post an opinion on the internet.
The sun will come up tomorrow, either way.
I promise.

Response by SPC Patricia K. (Williams) Elliott made May 9 at 2018 6:43 PM

2018-05-09T18:43:32-04:00

No it isn't necessary and I think it's highly disrespectful!! I understand having a strong opinion about something but to blatently refuse to even try to see the other side reflects badly on the NCO, in my opinion.

Response by SSG Rick Miller made May 10 at 2018 9:32 PM

2018-05-10T21:32:33-04:00

There do seem to be some here who are entirely disagreeable with anything that challenges their own preconceived notions. Never will they allow inconvenient things like facts or the viewpoint of personal experience get in the way. That being said, do try to remember that we are individuals, and how we handle things is different for every last one of us.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2018 9:41 PM

2018-05-11T21:41:10-04:00

You will have to cut your losses on him. Agree to disagree and take the higher road.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made May 12 at 2018 9:57 AM

2018-05-12T09:57:58-04:00

Bottom line up front - don't feed the trolls -

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 12 at 2018 4:02 PM

2018-05-12T16:02:25-04:00

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana , I have been attacked by an ignorant bully on RP too. Either ignore them or block them.

Response by Pvt Robert L. Lamoreaux made May 12 at 2018 10:02 PM

2018-05-12T22:02:54-04:00

I think there are two things at work in the phenomena of "social media" communications, and in our society generally. First there is the "my opinion is as good as yours" myth. In this, "opinion" is elevated to nearly the status of fact. The issue, of course, is that "my opinion" is generally based on research (using original sources when possible), analysis based not only the facts but on human behavior and values AT THE TIME, and my education and experiences. The second thing seems to me to be an inability (or impatience) to not only research, but an inability to think or analyse. There is something in our culture that makes life and relationships or social interactions a sum zero game: there is a winner and a loser. Period. We have seemingly gotten to the point where it is more important to shout others with whom we differ down, thinking that by silencing them we have won. As for me, I frequently learn more from those who disagree with me that from those who agree with me. Whatever happened to that attribute called "character"?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 22 at 2018 6:32 PM

2018-10-22T18:32:54-04:00

I know the names and faces of a number of people who slandered me over my (not particularly interesting) record of military service. I complained about it in an epic post elsewhere. In my case, it was cowards I encountered in real-life, rather than the online world. I have the opportunity to encounter people of limited competence and lower maturity in my life. Most of the United States has never served in any capacity. This is especially true after the Vietnam generation. Military service in this country now, is seen as a bit exotic. Knowledge of military affairs is seen as even more exotic. Most Americans go from school to the office. And that's it. Everything else they encounter over a screen (movie, tv, or computer). Anybody who has gone outside that bubble they live in is instantly suspicious to them.

There are people who will call someone a poser and don't even know what a DD-214 is. There was a guy who couldn't have passed the height-weight standard to get into the Army if we split him in two first, who called me a poser while at the same time, he was claiming to have done work for secret agents in South America. (Maybe he was scouting out restaurants, I dunno.) There are some people who were not endowed by their creator with all of the anatomical traits that they felt would make them adequate and some of those people will forever be angry at the rest of us as a result. Since it's not our fault, there's nothing we can do about it.

They cannot understand the topics you post. Perhaps they don't have the background. They don't have the inclination. Some of them don't have the horsepower. Ignore them.