[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by eweissenbach

I do not think "drinking the kool-aid" as an analogy is older than Jamestown. I think it is directly related to that tragedy, and refers to people who blindly follow along with the crowd or a charismatic leader, without regard to the consequences.

As for people who snap at newbies, I think they see certain opinions as a threat to their strongly held beliefs and react accordingly. The dynamics of chat sites like this, and I have been a participant on several over the last ten plus years, are interesting to say the least, and would probably make for a fascinating psychological study. People who are relatively non-confrontational in their real life, suddenly become active debaters on a keyboard. People who are passive-aggressive in life become simply aggressive on a keyboard. With a level of anonymity comes a "courage" to say things one would seldom, or never, say to another person's face. Add that to the fact that many people struggle to accurately express their opinions and feelings, and you have a situation rife with the probability of misunderstandings. I have often found statements I have made to be minconstrued or mischaracterized. Sometimes it is my fault, particularly in an effort to be brief and concise when I don't provide adequate context, and sometimes it is because the responder did not read carefully, or misinterpreted what I said. I try not to get too excited about what people say here because; a. everyone is entitled to their opinion, and legitimate opinions can coexist, even if diametrically opposed, and; b. because I can choose what I read, and I can choose what I want to beleive, regardless of what anyone else thinks or types. Have a nice day and be kind to one another! Merry Christmas.

Originally Posted by OldDave

You know I told myself I was finished commenting on this thread, because as is normal, it has turned into a discussion of something other than what was posted. But I find myself wanting to say a couple of other things.

First, redwitch, I'm very glad you posted your thoughts. It is better for you to explain why this is painful, rather than some of us trying to. Although I do have to say something about your post. You state that this term used in TV just means people who have moved here and are happy. I do disagree with that. To me it means the people who are blindly devoted to all things TV, without the use of logic. The people on this list that blast anyone who dares to suggest anything negative or something that needs to be looked at. Those that state it doesn't matter if your house is swallowed by a sink hole, or the costs go up, or the developer might leave town after the build out...just love it and be quiet because it's paradise. I think probably the best term to replace it is Blind Faith. Although that really doesn't seem strong enough. And of course Blind Faith is more normally used for religious groups, or at least those pseudo-religious groups that control their followers like Jim Jones. And sometime not so fringe religious groups. (I'm reminded of the little boy who asked his father, "Daddy, what is a cult?" His father responded, "Oh a cult is any religion other than ours.")

But I for one respect you and others. Even though the kool--aid remark does seem to describe this phenomenon well, I don't want to hurt your feelings. After digging around it seems clear that Jonestown is the source of this term in our modern usage. So, I personally won't use it again.

I am struck by the odd posts that jump to the conclusion that if we give you the courtesy of not using that term, just here where we know you, we are soon going to be visited by the language police and can't say anything. I'm just trying to be understanding for one person who I've enjoyed chatting with on this site. It is a small enough gesture. And a very easy one.

Someone mentioned that the N word used to be OK. It was OK because the only people that matter in that world were white. So there was silent agreement the feelings of black people didn't matter. I'm pleased that my generation had the courage to say, "you know just because I'm white doesn't mean I think that's OK. Stop saying it." It's slow progress, but it's progress. We have a next door neighboor only 10 years or so older than us. He adores our two kids and would do anything for them. But they refuse to go in his house any more because he is an uncontrolled bigot. They simply won't appear to condone this words, by just sitting there quietly.

A few years ago jokes about gays were quite funny. People enjoyed telling them and laughing. That's great unless you happen to be gay or someone you love is. Then, it's not all that funny. You stay quiet because you cannot afford to come out. Now that is changing, again slowly.

So the bottom line for all of this, and people who complain about political correctness going to far, is this. It is easy for the majority to put down any minority, whether by race, sex, religion, politics or a nice lady who doesn't want to be reminded of a tragedy. Sure it's easy to ignore these groups because there are more of us than there are of them. But it doesn't make it right.

It isn't that hard to try and be nice. OK, that's my sermon for today. Please turn in your hymnals to number 496, "It's a beautiful day in the villages."

Thoughful intelliigent posts.