Count-Down 10: The Forbidden Zone

by Amazing 5 Replies latest jw friends

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  Amazing

  It has been 15-years now since I walked away from the JWs, and 12-years since my disassociation. It is time to do some reflecting in short posts, and check my mental bearings.

  The Forbidden Zone:

  A week or two ago I watched Planet of the Apes again for the 10th time. I saw many comparisons between the JWs (apes) and the humans (apostates) in a strange sort of way. I was impressed at what was referred to by the chief Ape scientist as the Forbidden Zone ... a place that no Ape is permitted to go. Of course, on the surface the Forbidden Zone appeared dangerous and frightening ... and thus the warning seems justified. Yet, in the second movie, it turns out that once the forbidden zone is breached, it leads one to discover the truth about both human and simeon history and how the earth became the way it is. Of course, the Ape leadership did not want the average Ape to learn of this history. All this changed when humans from the past travel to the future and end up exposing the hard reality to themselves and the Apes. Of course, even when the truth is discovered, the Ape leaders cover it up and refuse to let it be known to the other Apes ... and, they forbid any discussion and scientific exploration into the matter.

  The comparisons are obvious and need no development by me. But, I have noticed another trend that is affecting society somewhat, and it seems to affect ex-JWs ... that is the discussion of politics and social issues. We seem fairly able to have open and objective discussion of religious issues, especially when it comes to exposing the Forbidden Zone about the JWs and their past ... but, that is where the objectivity seems to end. I hope that we all have sufficiently learned the lessons of holding to ideologies is fine to a limit, but that is should never steal our ability to talk freely, openly, fairly, objectively, honestly, and kindly about any topic. Simon and crew seem to have done a decent job of dealing with some who are just plain socially disagreeable ... so this board is fairly calm compared to what has happened in the past ... but, I still see this inability to be civil on other forums.

  May we always feel free to travel the Forbidden Zones of life and never let anyone or anything hinder our freedom, and may we never hinder our own freedom among ourselves.

  Next is Count-Down 9 to be posted tomorrow:

  Jim Whitney
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  Flowerpetal

  Yes I remember when there quite a few hostile people on this board, and I appreciate Simon and his crew making it a more welcoming board now.

  Do you think the inability to be civil has to do with people's emotions and wanting to keep the drama alive and going?
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  Amazing

  Flower,

  Do you think the inability to be civil has to do with people's emotions and wanting to keep the drama alive and going?

  I think you are partly correct ... but I also think that many never learned how to discuss / debate topics because their JW lives did not all for such interchange ... so once they leave the organization, gain freedom, and chose a new way of thinking, they once again use the old mental tools, and get entrenched in their new views, but never learn how to remain open and able to discuss topics without feeling threatened.

  Jim W.
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  choosing life

  The forbidden zone, heh. Two things you were never truly allowed to express an open and honest opinion about as a Witness were religion and politics. It was a crime to think independently on either. I would think we should be able to discuss them now and agree to disagree if necessary. But I notice the name calling and labeling starts up pretty quickly at times.
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  OnTheWayOut

  I've not come here for discussions on politics or social issues, so I usually avoid them.
  I do notice a bunch of G.Bush-bashing threads are started. I guess if you go to that
  thread and defend an opposite side, you are going to get the strong remarks thrown at
  you.

  On this board, there are also those that would chase away WTS-defenders. I am no
  lover of the WTS, but I always hate when they are beaten up. Argue- fine, but allow
  any other opinion that you don't like, and don't make it personal. I can say, "I disagree"
  and nobody should say "That's because your head is still between your legs."

  Part of the problem in all cases is anonimity. "These people don't know who I am, so
  I can say what I want." There probably is no solution. Too much moderation and removal
  will just make the threads dull. If I comment and don't like the way a thread is going, I
  just don't post or read it, anymore. On to the next post, I say.
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  NanaR

  Aw, Jim, now I'm going to have to go watch Planet of the Apes (would you believe I never have?).

  I agree, we all need to develop the ability to converse civily (even politely) on a variety of topics. My rule is, if I can't find anything civil or polite to say about a subject, I avoid commenting. Now sometimes my fingers travel ahead of my brain and I violate this rule, but that's why I'm glad most forums have a "delete" button (at least for moderators LOL).

  BTW, hello!!

  Ruth