What is with all the derogatory statements from higher ranks?

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

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!

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.

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!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.