Is RIDICULE acceptable in online debating?

by nicolaou 80 Replies latest jw experiences

• 

  Doltologist

  Millie210

  As I have stated before, I am not an atheist but I am curious and wish I could discuss it but even when a thread is started by an atheist I feel is "approachable" it isnt long before the ones who employ jeering and mocking and preaching (yes I said it - preachers arent just religious - its a talking style also) and I leave the thread.

  I don't want you to think I'm preaching because I'm not. I could point out web sites where if you even hint that you believe in god they will rip you to shreds and spit out the bones. The language is vile. In fact, I can't believe they can get away with it, but they do. When you join, the first question they ask is 'do you do anal?'. I kid you not. They will treat you unmercilessly. The problem is that there's some serious intellectual heavyweights on the site too. They know BS when they hear it and treat it with complete and utter contempt. Those guys don't whistle Dixie. They are full on. There's a moderator who's very active on the site. He makes sure that the level of abuse is turned up to maximum. He considers freedom of speech to be above all things.

  Also be aware that x-tians have done some terrible things since they formed. Some people tolerate and even forgive. There are also those that don't and won't. Be also aware that x-tians suppressed and abused people for thousands of years. Now that the shackles are off and x-tians no longer have the upper hand, it's pay-back time. Maybe x-tians are getting their just deserts at long last.

  I, by nature, am a very intolerant person, especially of religion and especially of x-tians. I'm trying a different way to see if it pans out. I have to admit, it's difficult. I can't say for sure whether or not I'll remain a born-again atheist or go back to my intolerant ways. However, be aware, x-tians and religious people in general have not covered themselves in glory and people do have a right to make this clear.

  Believe me, this is a tolerant forum in comparison and one that people need to be proud of and appreciate.
• 

  millie210

  Hi Dolt,

  Your post was so clear and well presented that I was able to read every word and absorb your thoughts and to look at this topic through your eyes.

  I wouldnt mind the topic matter of "do you do anal" or find it shocking if its pertinent.

  Its when people do that for shock value or in place of any real content or meaning that I feel off put.

  You make a good point about Christianity and the cruelty inflicted. Has any organized group ever done more wrong than religion? I dont think so.

  In that vein, I am one of those people who has been harmed by Christianity. I had my life and creativity sucked up and used by a religion that taught me that what went on a time slip was a measure of my worth. The very worst thing I did was sacrifice my children to that.

  Its ok though because I got out in time. It didnt claim all of me and now I have time to learn the real truth and to help my grown children exit too if they will let me.

  While I have time - it is slipping by rapidly and I want to use it well. Using it well does NOT involve watching people massage their own egos or use titillation or rudeness as a substitute for factual content. I know this site is the best of the best. How lucky was I to find it straight out of the gate?

  Almost makes me believe in a God!

  (cheesy joke there folks)

  I appreciate your efforts in trying to be tolerant Dolt. You make me want to be more tolerant too. I am going to really give this a try. You have helped.
• 

  FlyingHighNow

  It's always possible, if a person wants to take the time, to disagree with an idea without resorting to childish, insulting ridicule. Ridicule is ineffective. Ridicule is only enjoyable to those who engage in it. If Simon did not allow it, which in my opinion, he should not, you wouldn't be standing up for the practice. Because he does allow it, you feel emboldened. That doesn't make the ridicule anymore effective. It does on the other hand, show the true colors of those who engage in it. Anyone, including me, can slip and do it, because it is human weakness to ridicule. To the defend the practice as an effective communication tool, shows a lack of growth and maturity, when it comes to expressing your core beliefs.
• 

  Marvin Shilmer

  I don't want you to think I'm preaching because I'm not. I could point out web sites where if you even hint that you believe in god they will rip you to shreds and spit out the bones. The language is vile. In fact, I can't believe they can get away with it, but they do. When you join, the first question they ask is 'do you do anal?'. I kid you not. They will treat you unmercilessly. The problem is that there's some serious intellectual heavyweights on the site too. They know BS when they hear it and treat it with complete and utter contempt. Those guys don't whistle Dixie. They are full on. There's a moderator who's very active on the site. He makes sure that the level of abuse is turned up to maximum. He considers freedom of speech to be above all things.

  That's pretty much how the original H2O discussion forum was, and i liked it. Over the years I've participated in several different discussion forums, and those with nearly 100 percent freedom to say what you feel like needs saying have been my favorite. I love being able to discard political correctness and just say what needs saying. And, when I'm wrong it's my turn to be toasted. I'm fine with that too.

  Sites like that offer a unique glimpse into what folks really think and why. Also, you always get to reply in full to whatever is said, if you want. You're never held back in the slightest (except for illegal acts). It's not an arena that works for the faint of heart or individuals who want to preach without soundness being their ultimate goal. Those who do best in an environment like that are those are want to know what's correct more than being correct.
• 

  millie210

  Marvin Shilmer.
  Sites like that offer a unique glimpse into what folks really think and why. Also, you always get to reply in full to whatever is said, if you want. You're never held back in the slightest (except for illegal acts). It's not an arena that works for the faint of heart or individuals who want to preach without soundness being their ultimate goal. Those who do best in an environment like that are those are want to know what's correct more than being correct.

  That would be fine.

  I wouldnt have a problem with it as long as everyone could play by the same rules.

  What we have here are people who have been banned for a whole lot less than what you are talking about.

  So how much is too much? If I call someone out and tell it like it is (as I see it) am I gonna get banned?

  I dont know!

  So I just take it and keep my mouth shut or leave the thread.

  I thought the rule was attack the post and not the poster. No?

  Do any of these other sites have different areas? A gloves off area and a regular area for people who dont like wading through the sophomoric stuff when they are trying to learn?
• 

  LisaRose

  This is not aimed at you Millie, I've never seen you be rude, but some here have a hard time drawing a line between direct and belittling.

  
  
• 

  cofty

  I thought the rule was attack the post and not the poster. No?

  Yes. Do it with objective evidence if possible.

  Satire and ridicule have a place especially when somebody is being self-righteous or pompous.
• 

  FlyingHighNow

  If you feel you have to resort to ridicule, to be understood, then your communication skills need some serious development.
  
  I ask people, "Do you post over at JWN anymore?" I often get the answer, "No, I'm tired of the ridicule and the spirit of ridicule that has overcome the place." That is from both atheists and non atheists. If you're wondering why so few former members post anymore, ridiculers can take a lot of credit for it.
• 

  cofty

  the ridicule and the spirit of ridicule that has overcome the place

  Sounds like a kingdom melody lyric.

  Sorry was that ridicule?

  If you feel you have to resort to ridicule, to be understood, then your communication skills need some serious development

  My communication skills are very good. I still think that ridicule has it's place when done in moderation and with wit.
• 

  FlyingHighNow

  Ridicule says more about the person handing out the ridicule than it does the object of the ridicule.
  
  
  Websters: : the act of making fun of someone or something in a cruel or harsh way : harsh comments made by people who are laughing at someone or something
  
  Dictionary dot com:
  
  noun

  1.

  speech or action intended to cause contemptuous laughter at a person or thing; derision.

  verb (used with object), ridiculed, ridiculing.

  2.

  to deride; make fun of.
  
  The Free Dictionary:
  
  
  

  1. The act of using words, gestures, images, or other products of expression to evoke laughter orcontemptuous feelings regarding a person or thing: a remark that invited the ridicule of hisclassmates.

  2. The words or other products of expression used in this way: was subjected to a torrent ofridicule.

  tr.v. rid·i·culed, rid·i·cul·ing, rid·i·cules

  To expose to ridicule; make fun of.

  Cambridge:
  
  words or actions that make someone or something seem foolish or stupid: