Posted on Apr 17, 2020
Why do you think people are so mean when talking politics?
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Why is it that professionalism is all but abandoned in most political discussions? Why belittle and demean, and sacrifice respect and bipartisanship? It is easy to develop explanations, the intent is not to find the "right" answer or assume ignorance, but to listen to the experiences of others. Please, do not see naivety and miss the point of the question.
Whenever we, as citizens of this wonderful country, get together to discuss politics it usually turns into a hateful argument. Not always, but usually. It happens every day on RallyPoint. If you are one who shames opposing political parties and politicians, why do you abandon your military professionalism in this realm?
I am not trying to imply negative judgement upon those who do. It is common sense to see political activities contain significant and emotional topics. Therefore, it is understandable why people get angry and upset. But, as those whom have served the country are well aware, emotion alone does not excuse offensive behavior. There is more and I want to hear from others.
Whenever we, as citizens of this wonderful country, get together to discuss politics it usually turns into a hateful argument. Not always, but usually. It happens every day on RallyPoint. If you are one who shames opposing political parties and politicians, why do you abandon your military professionalism in this realm?
I am not trying to imply negative judgement upon those who do. It is common sense to see political activities contain significant and emotional topics. Therefore, it is understandable why people get angry and upset. But, as those whom have served the country are well aware, emotion alone does not excuse offensive behavior. There is more and I want to hear from others.
Political Correctness
Professionalism
Respect
Citizenship
Ethics
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
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1. The all-too-easy anonymity of on-line discussions and social media. It's one of the reasons RP is the only place I'll have these discussions...because we have our names posted, and the nature of our service and the RP staff enforce some level of courtesy and professionalism. 2. Discussing policies, when done right, is hard work. You are forced to analyze your own blind spots, recognize gray areas, complexities, and nuance. You need to do research from multiple sources to try to find foundational facts, or at least some scientific or statistical basis for your favored approach. But talking politics is easy. Your guy is a buffoon, and mine is great...no mental sweat required.
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I think it's pretty simple Pat... "social media". Imagine if everything that was said had to be said "face to face"; think we'd see as much vitriol? Nope... folks would take a second to ponder whether or not the person they were insulting might figure it was worth the possible assault charge. Better still, individuals usually seem to "post" to a broad audience... it's easier to denigrate the anonymous than flesh and blood human beings. Technology has brought us many great things... but so too has it opened up unrestricted "verbal warfare".
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1LT (Join to see)
Wise words. I think that psychological aspect of it is something I neglect to remember. And, in speaking of psychology, I believe MSG Hutchinson brings up a good point about fear. Historically, fear is a driving factor for hatred and anger. I can say that I've been victim to it and belittled the other side because I was afraid of what I did not understand.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
1LT (Join to see) - Thank you. As pertains to "fear"; people always talk about "fear of change"... in my personal opinion, that's code for "Resistance to Some Change", and usually for very important reasons. There are some changes that I do not fear because they are clearly just logical, rational responses to real problems. Most of the time, any debate on these changes can be held positively, and towards a mutual agreement. Problems ensue when a "change" is motivated by unseating or replacing long-standing religious, traditional, or cultural principle. Normally, any debate on THESE subjects is fruitless. It's possible that "some" people believe the louder you "shout" down opposition... the quicker they will surrender. Personally, I think the opposite reaction is more likely.
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My wife says because they didn't get enough hugs as a kid. I say is because they have the need to be right. This means that those soldiers need to have some resiliency training. On Facebook, people are really need and demeaning and insult you. They insult me and they say all kinds of mean Things and I remind them to attack the Problem and not the person. I sometimes wonder if people on Facebook are drinking ,stoned or have mental illnesses. Here on rally point, there are people who are very helpful in shutting down those who are being A- holes on purpose. I
SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and SSG Carlos Madden are 2 men here who could help you get them Disciplined or banished from RP.
Col Joseph Lenertz SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG (Join to see) Maj John Bell 1LT (Join to see) 1LT (Join to see) MCPO Roger Collins MSgt (Join to see) Sgt (Join to see)
SFC James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" and SSG Carlos Madden are 2 men here who could help you get them Disciplined or banished from RP.
Col Joseph Lenertz SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SSG (Join to see) Maj John Bell 1LT (Join to see) 1LT (Join to see) MCPO Roger Collins MSgt (Join to see) Sgt (Join to see)
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