does anyone remember the confederate flag debate? it was really seriously serious. It was also very revealing. there was much to learn about history and opinions. there was funny stuff too pertaining to BeachSio and his bedsheets and curtains. people were all up in arms coming from all directions. I don't want to re-open that can, but its a great example of learning some things I didn't know, understanding positions I had never understood before. I really did not change my position, but I did open my mind to the thoughts and statements made by others. I started to understand that it is OKAY to fly whatever flag you choose. and it is also not right to judge someone because of that flag - you do not know what their intentions are behind the selected flag unless you take the time to learn and open your mind enough to realize that people choose different "flags" to fly all the time (and I'm talking about a person's belief in any issue or whatever - not necessarily the confederate flag).. These "flags" are symbols of who we are and what we think. They are all good. unless you choose to believe that all other flags are bad unless they look exactly like your own.
I think that thread was a turning point for me. for many reasons. what I started to understand about people had little to do with the actual topic under debate. it had a great deal to do with how one chooses to give and take, respect, use humor, show gratitude for other opinions and information you had not considered before, etc etc etc. also, it was such a deep debate - like many we have had here - yes, there was a lot of buttheaded behavior, but there was also way more honest and thoughtful dialog than you could ever have in a real face to face debate. maybe we tend to go overboard with our reactions in a way we never would in person. But then things calm down and there are always those very good posters, from many sides of the issue, who provide calm, rational, thoughtful analysis for us all to consider.
yes, there are always a few who choose to act like jerks for whatever reason. you have to learn to be able to totally ignore some posts or you'll go insane. not responding is sometimes the very best response.
I think that thread was a turning point for me. for many reasons. what I started to understand about people had little to do with the actual topic under debate. it had a great deal to do with how one chooses to give and take, respect, use humor, show gratitude for other opinions and information you had not considered before, etc etc etc. also, it was such a deep debate - like many we have had here - yes, there was a lot of buttheaded behavior, but there was also way more honest and thoughtful dialog than you could ever have in a real face to face debate. maybe we tend to go overboard with our reactions in a way we never would in person. But then things calm down and there are always those very good posters, from many sides of the issue, who provide calm, rational, thoughtful analysis for us all to consider.
yes, there are always a few who choose to act like jerks for whatever reason. you have to learn to be able to totally ignore some posts or you'll go insane. not responding is sometimes the very best response.
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So THANK YOU x 10! We all seem to really think you hit the nail on the head with your post.
We don't always see eye to eye but it is ok because we've never beaten up on each other - thank goodness lol!