Quote:
Originally Posted by Yung Dum
Today I came across The Villages political forum, thinking it might be a good place for some intelligent discussion of the extremely important issues that face us as we prepare to vote for president. Instead, all I see is angry, childish, insulting posts with no coherent arguments one way or another. Does anyone really believe name calling and vulgarity is a good way to present one’s case? Differences of opinion are what makes America great. Belittling those with differing views does nothing but to invite belittling responses. I always felt that we Villagers were a fairly intelligent lot, but I guess I was wrong.
This is not a place for any kind of exchange of ideas, but just a dumping ground for the worst elements of both sides of the political spectrum. It should be avoided by all thinking Americans.
On the other hand, we have the right to speak our minds, no matter how callously. This is one of the many things that makes America great. Just be prepared for the worst should you venture onto that forum.
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You make some excellent points.
When I first went there, I actually thought discussion of the issues, with legitimate links to bolster your position, was what the forum was supposed to be about.
I quickly learned however, that since my views do not mirror the majority...that's not the case.
Constant vulgar personal attacks and dogpiling...seems to be the modus operandi of the majority.
Of which, and I include myself, it is all to easy and tempting...to respond in kind.
Although on one level I understand the reason that everyone is labeled as
'guest' (it gets around the site rule of
'no personal attacks,' since no one is actually identified) and that there is no moderator button to report the extremely sexually vulgar, racist and misogynist posts, the anonymity also emboldens those who don't want folks/their friends upstairs...to know what they're really like.
Although showing user names would, IMHO, immediately bring a little civility to the forum, as a compromise it would really be nice if each guest were given a number so that when discourse is exchanged...a person knows to with whom their posts are being exchanged.
And it would also identify the worst offenders, so that a better handle on the real % of those types could be determined.
And while I have been very generic and haven't mentioned a single name in this post, it wouldn't surprise me a bit if what I stated above...quickly bled over into this thread and proved me correct.
Flame suit on.
