Why do people feel the need.....

[Fishbone†]

....to ridicule people who have a different opinion then they do? Why can't a person have a different opinion about something and still be a normal, responsible & contributing citizen. Why am I less of a person if I think through something, and come up with an opinion that is different than yours? Is there a reason you can't state your case without sarcasm or insulting the other person. And, I find it particularly interesting that when one starts the insults, the entire thread fills with "Amens" and "Preach it brothers". One big opposition bashing party - strength in numbers. And, by the way, this goes for both those who hold my opinion and those who don't.

For example, why isn't it okay for me to think Harry Potter is an evil form of literature and entertainment? I've thought through this, read one of the books, and derived my opinion. Does that make me less of a person, or is that just my right? And if I so choose to express that opinion in whatever form (without insulting the intelligence of the opposition), is that my right, or have I over-stepped my bounds? I don't go around saying that those who read Harry Potter or celebrate Santa Claus (which by the way, I choose not to) are idiots and ridiculous nor do I even think it...... but if I did, what possible good can come of expressing it? I just find other forms of entertainment more to my liking. To each his own.

In anything that people feel that strongly about, neither a debate nor name-calling will change the minds of those who have drawn a line in the sand, so what's the point. A friendly discussion on the topic can be interesting, educational and fun, but finger-pointing and sarcasm isn't necessary.

This is NOT a debate or plug for my views on Harry Potter..... I could care less what you think or read or do .... one way or the other. This just happened to be the topic on the thread that spurred my feelings.

I am now donning my fire-suit..... keep in mind, you have the right to your opinion the same as I do, but there is no call for personal insults.

 

[Saffron]

I don't know, but if you find out the answer, will you let me know? I've been trying to figure it out forever!

 

[JasonLyons]

hey

 

[browneyes]

I am now donning my fire-suit..... keep in mind, you have the right to your opinion the same as I do, but there is no call for personal insults.

I totally agree with that. I think some people just like to belittle others to make themselves seem like they're the better person. It's a self-esteem issue. One that bullies use to make themselves look like idiots.

I think differently about HP than you do, but I respect your opinion, as I assume you do me as well. To each his or her own.

 

[janette]

I agree that there is no reason to insult anyone.

I don't have the same opinion about HP and the only problem I have with anyone who has a different opinion are the ones that try to get it banned from libraries or schools. As long as I'm free to choose for myself & my children I don't mind anyones opinion.

 

[Fishbone†]

Well, I respect everbody BUT you Browneyes..... you on the other-hand, I just can't respect. I mean, afterall, you like tomatoes, and I think that's just plain stupid..... what kind of person LIKES tomatoes?? No person in their right-mind could have tasted a tomato and said "Yum, this is good". That just goes to prove you're less of a person than I am!

 

[WillyJ]

I whole-heartedly agree with you Fishbone. . I know there have been times when I've posted things that were less then kind and respectful of other views. . but mostly I try to state my opinon without tearing down any opposing ones. .

In the recent "Harry Potter" thread, I did criticize the book-burning, but not anyone who felt that the book was wrong for them or their children to read. .

 

[browneyes]

Originally posted by Fishbone†
Well, I respect everbody BUT you Browneyes..... you on the other-hand, I just can't respect. I mean, afterall, you like tomatoes, and I think that's just plain stupid..... what kind of person LIKES tomatoes?? No person in their right-mind could have tasted a tomato and said "Yum, this is good". That just goes to prove you're less of a person than I am!

You do know I have a thing against fish, don't you? I don't touch the stuff. But I could eat tomatoes all day long. Oooh, or eat a reece's cup with a tomato juice chaser.

Am I in my right mind?

 

[debster812]

Ummmm, Shannon...BLECHHHHH Peanut Butter Cup with Tomato Juice? ICK!

Fishybone†--I am another who does not share your opinion on HP, and go figure, we like each other! :gasp: You have formed an opinion, that seems very well thought out. Just something that we will have to agree to disagree on.

(that and mini-meets at the airport )

 

[Fishbone†]

I don't have a problem with them putting it in the schools and libraries as a choice for someone.... I do feel strongly, however, that since it is so controversial, and there are strong stances on either side, that it should NOT be required reading, or even read in the classroom. This is happening in my niece's classroom (5th grade), and she has read the first one, and chosen, on her own, to stand against it. Isn't there something less disputed they could read? I also feel that the criteria should be the same for all literature and books.... if we can't ban this one, why can we ban the Bible, or Huckleberry Finn or any others that have caused such controversy?

Just a question.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I can't help in an HP discussion, Heidi, never read it, never saw the movie, have no idea of the story. But I do agree 100% with what you are saying about the insults and sarcasm. I do know there are a few people on these boards though, that may be able to explain why they feel it is okay to do what you say is wrong, and I think most here would also agree is wrong........

...to ridicule people who have a different opinion then they do? Why can't a person have a different opinion about something and still be a normal, responsible & contributing citizen. Why am I less of a person if I think through something, and come up with an opinion that is different than yours? Is there a reason you can't state your case without sarcasm or insulting the other person.......

 

[browneyes]

Originally posted by debster812
Ummmm, Shannon...BLECHHHHH Peanut Butter Cup with Tomato Juice? ICK!

Did Heidi whisper in your ear to say that?

I still can't understand why they banned Bibles/Religious stuff out of schools. If someone can have the choise NOT to be involved in the Bible/Religion, why do they deny those that chose TO be involved?

I'm not into HP stuff. My dd and my mom are though. They can't get enough of HP. I overlook their HP obsession, they overlook my Mickey Mouse obsession.

 

[nativetxn]

I loved the Harry Potter books and I read them all. I can't wait for the new one to hit the book stores.

I can be friends and pleasant with someone who doesn't approve of the Harry Potter books. That is a small thing and not important enough to interfere with a friendship.

I agree that one should be able to hold an opinion without being treated badly by others who may disagree.

 

[Fishbone†]

Oh Debster, we definitely DO NOT agree on mini-meets in the airport!! I'm still sitting here on the Gold Concourse with my lap-top wondering what in the world is keeping you.... I'm sure the flight was delayed or something beyond your control. Afterall, it couldn't possibly have been your choice to stand me up..... I'm just sure you'll be here any minute.

Yeah nativetxn, we can be friends..... just bring "The Adventures of Pooh" when you come visit.

 

[Ricola]

While I certainly don't approve of personal attacks, I have often observed that someone who holds an opinion that is greatly in the minority on a particular thread can easily feel like they are being attacked, when the majority of posters are really just disagreeing with them.

We all have different styles of communicating, and sometimes it is easy to feel offended by those whose style may be more confrontational than others.



As for peanut butter and tomatoes... I think it sounds good. I'll have to try it some time.

 

[Fishbone†]

We all have different styles of communicating, and sometimes it is easy to feel offended by those whose style may be more confrontational than others.

It was only my point that the confrontation doesn't need to be personal. I wasn't actually on the thread, just reading it, but personal shots like the following aren't necessary or constructive in my opinion.

Don't these people have anything better to do???

Maybe they find this a worthy cause.... I know a lot of people that spend time on something they find important that I don't and vice versa.

Or...

The really OUGHT to get their priorities straight!

It is my humble opinion that they do have their priorities straight, but in reality it's none of my business or anyone else's to prioritize someone else's priorities. I can run my own desk, thank you.

Or....

Why do people have to over analyze everything???

They very possibly thought this through very thoroughly, as I hope everyone who holds a strong opinion one way or the other did. It would be a shame to die on a hill of opinion that you haven't educated yourself in.

Or sarcasm like....

Guess all us Methodists are doomed now too.

I read the article, that wasn't said, nor even implied that I could see.

Maybe I'm just tired and sensitive..... either way, this has been a good discussion.
(With the exception of a few tomato references..... BROWNEYES!)

 

[Ricola]

Fish,

Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to defend attacks such as the ones you just quoted. I am only suggesting that sometimes it not so much the content of peoples' responses that can hurt someone with a differing opinion, but rather the quantity of disagreeing responses.

I also believe that one or two attacks thrown in amongst a score of responses can initially make all the "disagreeing" responses seem to be attacks.

I am sure that in my time here I have been on both sides of discussions like this; sometimes in the majority, and often in the minority. For me, being in the minority can certainly be frustrating and discouraging.

 

[Beanie]

I can't help in an HP discussion, Heidi, never read it, never saw the movie, have no idea of the story.

LOL Dan! I am so glad to know I am not the only one who hasn't read/seen this! I actually have no desire to either!

 

[snoopy]

I can be friends and pleasant with someone who doesn't approve of the Harry Potter books. That is a small thing and not important enough to interfere with a friendship.

I agree wholeheartedly, Kath. I just can't see getting worked up over something someone else believes. I know what I like (the HP books being one of the things I like) but I sure don't care what anyone else thinks. Certainly not to the point where I want to make them feel bad for their beliefs.

 

[Mamu]

Fishbone I have no idea what has happened to cause you such sadness. I do believe we all have the right to think and express are opinions on certain subjects without being attacked.

We sometimes think our own thoughts are the only correct ones. Isn't that why our country fought so bravely so we could live in a democracy, where we can live, think and express our views.

So sorry to hear this has happened. I have to say I've probably have done this myself over the years. Not to say the person is wrong, just to say I do not agree with their thoughts. I learning daily that what I type may be hurtful to others.

DH and I have this disagreement daily, my thought and his thoughts are so different. He ultra right, I'm somewhere in the middle leaning to the left.

Pixie Dust heading your way.