What is with all the derogatory statements from higher ranks?

2015-06-17T10:35:07-04:00

Okay, I am curious why is it, retired or active, military think it is okay to post derogatory or personal attacks on the internet where lower ranking military can see this. To me it is disrespectful to the branches, people, and lower ranks, but I want to see if I am out of line or not.

Share your thoughts RP!!!

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jun 17 at 2015 10:39 AM

2015-06-17T10:39:36-04:00

I agree that it is completely inappropriate and should not occur - ever. But the rank should have nothing to do with it - it's not right for ANY rank! :-) We ALL need to carry ourselves as professionals and behave to a higher standard - because we ARE the best military in the world - some of us just need to believe it!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jun 17 at 2015 10:52 AM

2015-06-17T10:52:54-04:00

I believe that no matter what rank or status we should all be very respectful of each other in our comments and posts. If I've ever said anything to offend someone I would like to apologize now. I don't think I have, but just in case! I make it a practice to always be respectful in any of my comments even if I don't agree with something. Its just good manners. If I have an issue with something I usually keep it to myself and not post anything that would hurt someone's feelings! We are brothers and sisters her of a special group of individuals that the entire world and public can't all say they are a part of. Let's take care of each other and keep this site as professional as possible! Great question and observation SrA Johnathan Kropke

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 17 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-06-17T11:29:13-04:00

This isn't just from higher ranks, for some reason there are people in this world (and on RallyPoint) who decided that you deserve to be personally bashed if you have a difference in opinion. I'm not sure if it doesn't make sense to them on why your opinion is different, whether they are intolerant to these differences or what?

If anything it reflects very poorly on themselves, and I wish they would stick to evidence-based and logical arguments, over personal attacks and childish name calling. It would also do them good to remember that RallyPoint isn't exactly private, and social media has been more frequently looked at when applying for jobs in the civilian sector.

It would definitely be great to have an environment with intellectual respectful debates, rather than some of the debates I have seen going on. The political and religious topics are by far the worst, and unless the discussion specifically calls for it I do not think those who have nothing to add to the discussion should be responding to it just to attack your religious or political beliefs. It would be amazing it more RallyPoint Administrators identified these bad actors and kindly asked them not to stop causing problems in what should be an otherwise healthy discussion.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jun 17 at 2015 11:41 AM

2015-06-17T11:41:24-04:00

SrA Johnathan Kropke Without naming names do you have any examples? All that I have ever really seen is the typical 'Old crew' talking crap about the 'Young generation' of personnel which will never change.

The only other thing I can think of is people blaming low ranks for low quality work, again nothing too surprising. It happens, all you can do is take it in stride.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Jun 17 at 2015 11:54 AM

2015-06-17T11:54:17-04:00

A1C Johnathon Kropke I agree with you. However, fairness and honesty, it's not just a top down issue. Point in case, a few days ago I posted a question and took it in the head from both above and below.

Now, confession: I'm probably just as guilty of stern statements. And if I've been offensive I apologize.

However, I also think that all folks here on RP should remember that words are a small fraction of the communication process. Here on RP, a forum on the Internet, an abstract medium, when we hold a conversation we lose our verbal tones, inflections, facial expressions, body language, and more. And, note everybody has the same level of command of the written word.

All things above being considered, we as people also have different reactions to their perceptions. Some might be offended by a statement and others might laugh their butts off over the same statement.

So, the solution is? To remain considerate, polite, and professional. We should all be mindful of professionalism and decorum at all times. I'm not saying we can't bring some levity into the conversation. Neither do I think we all need to use "$100 words" or not use four letter words (that would be to all bullshit.). I'm saying here in the abstract world of the Internet we need to refine our statements and use a bit of finesse.

Ok, true (and seriously dorky) story to make a positive point.... I have an Aunt the has been an Teacher my entire life. She's a remarkable woman! When I was seven years old she gave me a collegiate dictionary for my birthday. Inside the book, next to the highlighted word, "proficient," was a small note that read, "Free, Become proficient in the use of the English language and you will be successful. Love, Aunt Mona." She couldn't be more right, and I still have that dictionary and the note in my bookcase. It's well used and worn. And, "Free" was the hippie name my family gave me when I was a kid....

Just my $0.02 worth. I hope it helps.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jun 17 at 2015 12:20 PM

2015-06-17T12:20:50-04:00

A1C Johnathan Kropke, there is never a place for derogatory comments or personal attacks here regardless of rank.

I hope that your experience is rare on RP; it has been in my experience.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-06-17T12:54:27-04:00

I'm amazed at some of replies from higher ranked NCO's, Lt. and Up. SrA Johnathan Kropke, I'm not sure if they think RHIP, or if they are sarcastic all the time. If they fall into either of those categories, they don't need to be on RP. True, I was just a lowly Buck SGT., no member in RP, has military authority over anyone. Part of the insults from officers particularly, make me think they have an inferiority complex, because they CAN'T use their authority they have now, or once had. Other than that, I don't have a clue.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-06-17T13:47:51-04:00

The RP Commenting Rule 10

Chapter 10: Responses and Comments

10-1 Purpose

a. The purpose of responding to a question is to add insight, opinion or details that pertain to the question.
b. Personal beliefs and experiences are welcome in the response portion of Answers.
10-2 Appropriate Responses and Comments
a. Responses will be constructive and pertinent to question asked.
b. Responses are to be professional and respectful.
c. Responses will add to the conversation or answer the question asked.
d. Responses should be elaborate enough to warrant their presence. “Yes,” “no” or similar trivial answers do not promote discussion.
10-3 Inappropriate Responses and Comments a. Personal attacks on question poster or other members if the RallyPoint community. Debate is encouraged, but it should remain professional.
b. Responses that do not add to and promote conversation.
c. Responses that consist solely not be “yes,” “no” or similar answer.
d. Responses that include disrespectful, vulgar, slanderous, hateful, or prejudice language.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 17 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-06-17T14:18:00-04:00

Could it be some people can't handle the truth?

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Jun 17 at 2015 2:41 PM

2015-06-17T14:41:17-04:00

I think people do it because they don't have a valid argument to a point being made.
That being said, I don't think I have ever been derogatory to anyone here on RallyPoint, but I know I have let my anger get the better of me on Facebook from time to time and I have resorted to the frustrated name calling a few times.
One thing though, and I know it may not make a difference, is that I have gone back and apologized to people when I attacked them and explained that I got caught up, its not an excuse but I still think its proper to apologize as it shows some level of maturity.
Two wrongs never make it right.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-06-17T15:33:34-04:00

Way to call us out, SrA Johnathan Kropke! I hope you keep that up.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2015 3:35 PM

2015-06-17T15:35:28-04:00

You know, I don't quite get it either. It does kinda seem that those are the ones that DO make the statements. Maybe it is that they had to be a gentleman/lady when they were active and now they are allowed to say whatever they want with no fear of repercussion. I tend to silence them if I can. There is so much more to be worried about than how a higher rank, lower rank, whatever rank got their feelings hurt about a post they may not agree with. I take it with a grain of salt. As should you SrA Johnathan Kropke

Thanks for the question and have a great day!!

Response by SFC Kevin Cornett made Jun 17 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-06-17T15:36:13-04:00

Have some examples?

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 17 at 2015 3:44 PM

2015-06-17T15:44:30-04:00

Rally point isn't the place to bitch and moan about the armed services or the President. It's okay to ask intelligent questions but you're right there's a lot of active-duty and enlisted folks on RallyPoint and you need to keep that in mind. There are hundreds of other sites on the Internet for that. I bitch and moan a lot, but I do it on my personal blog and website.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Jun 17 at 2015 7:14 PM

2015-06-17T19:14:44-04:00

I think another think that may play a part, is the inability for some individuals to admit they may be wrong. For some people you can prove them wrong without a fraction of a doubt and they would still 'beat the dead horse.' Others don't have the capacity to see out of their own little box, so it's nearly impossible for them to understand. This article from Psychology Today seems to sum it up better than I would, although I admit I don't know the legitimacy of the source.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201003/getting-people-change-their-minds

Response by PO1 Todd Cousins made Oct 20 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-10-20T10:59:57-04:00

I have to say I prefer to share my thoughts these days. After 20 years of holding my tongue, ok attempting to at least, I feel now I can speak it. That said I always try to be respectful of all people regardless of rank. If I have failed I do apologize.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 20 at 2015 4:32 PM

2015-10-20T16:32:45-04:00

Maybe my perception is off, but I have not seen a derogatory statement.