Using labels to avoid the issue

Simon

We all know how the WTS works and how they have built up a clever lebelling system which they can use to prevent having to address the real issues. One word and someone's arguments vanish into dust and all credibility is shot:

"Apostate"

Well, unfortunately, I think we can be guilty sometimes of the same tactic. We have a label that we too can wield to dismiss anyone's point of view without really addressing it. Of course, its:

"Troll"

If a current JW does want to discuss their beliefs and defend their faith as we would have done at one time then I think we should try to win the arguments both for ourselves and all the interested onlookers. If they are a troll then they will be found out but until then it would be nice if we didn't resort to their tactics.

If anyone does suspect anyone else of being a troll then they should email me with their concerns and the reasons why and I will look into it with the additional technical information that I have.

Thanks

orangefatcat

Okay Simon

SEAKEN2001

Can we call them "Apostate"? "Stupid", "Ignorant"?

OK, just kidding. I agree with your points. Argue on the issues and honestly address the questions rather than using ad hominem attacks. There's an outside chance that they may actually learn to do the same thing one day and we'll have the satisfaction of knowing that we may have helped them grow up.

Sean

SpiceItUp

Heh...I didnt know we had an "official" name for them. Hmmmmm. Just kidding! LOL

I don't believe that calling names leads to anything constructive...and I do like the "constructive" debates you allow us to have.

Thanks Simon.... will take you advice

Spice

Fire Dragon

Thank you for being fair, Simon.

hillary_step

Do not try and win me over with those 'troll' like arguments, you wicked 'apostate'...lol

Point well made Simon. It is very strange how we find safety in 'labels', must have something to do with our tribal instincts.

Best - HS

Simon

BTW: this was not meant as a criticism (or a telling off, lol) ... more of a reminder:

Just as I don't imagine JWs consciously label people 'apostates' while thinking "I won't have to reason with them now" I don't think people call others Trolls for any other reason than they think they are!

Yerusalyim

Simon,

Are you a troll Simon?

Amazing

I am sure somewhere along the line I have used the term Troll. Though, I avoid this because I agree with you about the dangers of using labels - they tend to become unfair stereo-types. Yet, somehow, I still love the label "Brain-Dead Idiot" ... because it feels good to use it ...

Using labels to avoid the issue

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