Whatever happened to respectful debate and discourse?

Captain-We'd all like to see more civility, but I always keep in mind that RP isn't the parade ground, or the wardroom, and if I comment...I'm open to the fullest extent and range of opinions held by active, reserve, and veterans. From my own perspective, the moderators do a decent job of keeping us all in our corners.

I am going to help you with this. It is simple people don't want your opinion, they just want you to agree with there point of view

Guilty as charged. I tend to be respectful until someone is disrespectful of me. The problem seems to be that few have any facility for debate. They believe that repeating the same lie will make it true. That SHOUTING LOUDER will make something more compelling. (I simply refuse to read anything typed in SHOUTING text) They believe that their ideology should not be questioned or challenged. I could of course, simply refrain from participating. Well that's what I do when I realize that someone is ill equipped to carry on a respectful conversation. Sadly, I don't seem to be able to depart the arena without leaving a parting shot. It's a weakness. I beg forgiveness.

CPT (Join to see) As some have mentioned, except with a recent incident where TSgt Hunter Logan took heat for something she said, I have not noted any extremes as you describe although I am sure you have in some manner, either to yourself or between others. I go through the threads deleting or ignoring those which don't interest me such as politics, religion, gun control - the usual ones - which can get the juices flowing. I would rather read, learn, and participate in military subjects I know something about, have had some experience, or a war-story to tell. Don't hesitate to give a thumbs-down to, block and report those you feel are going over the line. And don't you be discouraged into withdrawing your good comments, ideas, and insights. People do like to read reasoned views.

Ma'am DD214 happened. Seriously. You will have some who challenge you mentally to be better or make you think about your response. Those are the ones I fear being I only have one brain cell that wasn't taken back by CIF. But they are also the ones I want to see the most. Then you have those who base everything about you off your MOS. Doesn't matter if you saved 35 million dollars or people, the fact that you're not this, or you're not that, or you're a female trying to do a man's job, there is something wrong with you not them. I've gone off the reservation a few times and lost bearing, but normally I try and if I don't, there might be a reason for it. I've had moderators place their jump boots on my neck. Amazing how quick you change your tune. Lately politics is the sore spot for folks. You have folks complaining that RP leans heavily to the left...no it's far right....now they're deleting posts on certain candidates. It's a never ending cycle, and it'll be that way no matter where you go. Active Duty was the same minus the 214. Someone always thinks they're badder than you, a better person than you, a better leader than you based off the Silver Star they got in BCT, or where you went to basic. Shrug your shoulders and keep it moving. Personally I do pick on other MOS, but it's in jest. I don't care what you did or are. But it's the good ones that I like to see and read on here, and the reason I won't quit.

I haven't observed any negative behavior like the ones you've described on RallyPoint yet , but I might not be involved enough. Compared to Facebook and other social media platforms, it seems to me that the active members on RallyPoint are respecting each other more. It's pretty outstanding, actually.

It's is the modern day form of dueling. Behaviors associated with officers (officer and a gentleman), and enlisted are somewhat different I have been both and have noticed a distinction in interpersonal exchange. The anonymity of the Internet allows for people to be themselves and a certain disrespect is aimed at another person vice debating and expressing a view point about a subject area. I think the most frustrated and least powerful are the ones who feel empowered by their ability to be personal and nasty. But, there are Four Agreements you should remember when you are confronted by an objectional character. The main one is don't take it personally. It really isn't about you. It is about them. You have to read the book to understand the whole deal. My favorite movie is "Master and Commander". Everyone is so delightfully proper!

CPT (Join to see) "Whatever happened to respectful debate and discourse?"

Ma'am its the same as it always has been. Some choose to debate in a professional manner, others choose ad hominem attacks or outright personal attacks in negitive language, profanity or actual threats. RP audience is no difference that if you were to fill a stadium with an entire division of SM, all MOS, rank, walks of life.. and then tossed in polarizing subject..

Perhaps you perceve in your daily Army life to not see the same here, is because of the relatively limited groups of SM you may encounter at any one time in person...and those groups are largely selected by you to be around.. If you choose to hang around those that think like you well then the debate is often one sided.. If you choose to hang around peers that both think as you do and oppose ..you'll have debate but largely in a reasonable manner.

Walk in to the 82nd division on All American week when a few thousand are gathered for division review and strike up a conversation and debate on the antiquated and waste of resource, funding AirBorne deployment of troops are..and see if you get "respectful opposing viewpoints and beliefs while still remaining passionate about your own. All while having a civil debate about opposing views instead of just yelling and putting down anyone who doesn't share your views." from the demographic you choose to engage..

Welcome to RallyPoint ma'am. One of the many reasons I don't participate as much as I used to. Enjoy!

One of the problems I have seen, is the lack of restraint that seems to be present with prior military members. It's almost as if once they have new-found freedom to express their views, the gloves come off. After all, who are they accountable to?