Politics.

by Englishman 24 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Englishman

  Why oh why do people start political threads on an ex-JW board? Isn't there enough political forums elsewhere on the net? Virtually every thread about political matters finishes up being locked, usually because someone starts to flame.

  Both sides of the recent plethora of political threads are now accusing the other of making propaganda. I see nice people almost at daggers drawn against one another. It really grieves me to see us descend to this level.

  There are even a couple of posters here who never post anything but politics! It's totally and absolutely nuts on a JW based forum! Go somewhere else for Pete's sake!

  ..And I've yet to see one person alter their stance one iota, so it's a total waste of time anyway.

  Englishman.
• 

  Big Tex

  "Can't we all settle this over a pint?" -- Mike Myers, Shrek
• 

  Gopher

  Why do people start political threads?

  For the same reason they start threads on other non-JW-related topics, like football (American or otherwise), on relationships, on their favorite movies, etc.

  This is a community of people who have moved or are moving past their JW experience, and so of course there are other categories besides "friends" and doctrine-related topics.

  I suppose we could branch out and find other discussion boards about which to discuss football, relationships and movies. But we kind of like it here.

  People don't change their opinions about which football team is their favorite, either. They tend to stick to Manchester United (did I get that right?) or the Dallas Cowboys or the Green Bay Packers (or whichever one is their favorite).

  As long as people don't go into attack mode, a discussion of the day's issues can be enlightening. I even learn some things from the people with whom I disagree!
• 

  Englishman

  Gopher,

  I agree with what you say in principle, but virtually every political thread DOES become an attack thread.

  Englishman.
• 

  Stacy Smith

  And I've yet to see one person alter their stance one iota, so it's a total waste of time anyway.

  So the reasons for posting there are probably not to change anyones minds then right? I believe the reason is simply to throw something in another persons face.

  Yeah, this article will really piss off so and so.

  I think the board value is a lot less with poltical threads.

  It isn't the same thing as sports either. Do you ever see a sports comment where someone says "I believe the head coach of this team is the most dangerous person on the planet"

  Political threads on this forum are designed to insult and to bait one another.
• 

  patio34

  Hi E-man,

  ..And I've yet to see one person alter their stance one iota, so it's a total waste of time anyway. (E-man)

  Well, here's me stepping right up to say I changed a lot from the political discussions on this board! I learned a lot, found good references for reading, and it really helped me to decide how I felt. Even now, I enjoy learning about other viewpoints.

  I don't like strictly political boards and with this it's just a side issue to friends meeting. And that's how it is in real life too, don't you think? Friends get together for a visit and discuss many topics, politics being just one of them. You don't get together with only political friends one time, and then only non-religious people another, etc., do you?

  I feel they are of great benefit. So, your statement was made before knowing about .... ME!

  Pat
• 

  Englishman

  Interesting, Patio!

  Yeah, talk and discuss and learn things, fine! I must confess I didn't know about you however.. I do remember your very becoming fancy dress outfit on Halloween though.

  Englishman.
• 

  Stacy Smith

  Patio I feel there are some very good forums where religion can be discussed without hurt feelings and personal attacks. This isn't one of them. It's a huge internet and on many forums you'll find some very well read and literate opinions on both sides of the spectrum.

  note smilie -------------><-------------- standard offering on JWD political threads from me now days
• 

  ISP

  It comes under 'current affairs' does it not?

  ISP
• 

  Englishman

  It comes under 'current affairs' does it not?

  Sure it does. However, the onboard politics here seem to have degenerated into a war between ultra-patriotic Americans ( a complete pain on a forum such as this) and those who would wish to convince them that they are a bunch of thugs (who are also a complete pain on a forum such as this).

  That's not current affairs or politics, that's a feud.

  Englishman.