I'm always surprised at people who are eager to shut themselves off from any competing points of view. Often I get comments from readers who say that since I published something they disagree with, they will never read a word I write any more. Of course, people have the right to read whatever they want, I'm not disputing that. Anybody who doesn't want to read my blog should feel free to do so. I'm just wondering about the nature of many people's fear to be exposed to anything that conflicts with their preconceived notions.
As for me, I regularly read blogs by people who hold different political convictions. If Tom Carter happens to read this, he can testify that I regularly participate in discussions on his conservative blog. Izgad can confirm that I visit his heavily Libertarian blog. I also read websites of climate change deniers, Republicans, and all kinds of people I disagree with. When I comment on those blogs, I never stoop to insults of the "up-your-ass" variety. Albeit often emotional, my comments are always respectful and constructive. I don't think that there is absolutely nothing to learn from people of competing political convictions. If nothing else, talking to them, engaging in discussions allows me to see blind spots in my own line of reasoning.
I'm curious why so many people are terrified of being exposed to competing points of view. Might that be because they are not all that sure of their convictions and are afraid that hearing something different will make them doubt what they always believed?
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
8 comments:
I visit your blog now and then "because" you're an edgy kinda girl. :)
What would this world be if everyone agreed? It would be perfect (fat chance), or we'd all be walking around like robots.
I especially agree with your statement saying that discussions allow us to see our blind spots.
And you're right - if something is just too hard to read, people should just move on; or leave an intelligent response and then move on.
Maybe they think you'll miss them if they say they're not coming back. :)
Excuse me, but i cannot find porn download section in this blog.
Thanks in advance!
Anonymous: yes you can. My post on Mochica ceramics has been banned from several blogrolls for being pornographic. Enjoy!
"Maybe they think you'll miss them if they say they're not coming back. :)"
-The funny thing is that those who say it always do come back. And kind of immediately after they say it. :-)
I confess that I tend to avoid conservative arguments, since I see no reason to risk my health by driving my blood pressure through the roof. People such as Palin, Limbaugh, Beck, etc., are manifestations of pure evil as far as I am concerned. It upsets me beyond all reason that they have so much power, and I am seriously afraid that they are completely destroying our culture and returning us to a feudal state as much of Europe was in a thousand years or so ago, with a few super rich and the rest of us in desperate poverty. I think maybe this is their intent; but regardless, it will certainly be the effect of their ideology if they are not stopped.
"People such as Palin, Limbaugh, Beck, etc., are manifestations of pure evil as far as I am concerned."
-Oh, I couldn't agree more. These people have no arguments, so there is nothing to address in their rambling, incoherent statements. I was speaking more about intelligent reasonable people who simply have different political beliefs. many conservatives are as appalled by palin and Limbaugh as I am.
Clarissa, you do indeed visit and comment on Opinion Forum regularly. Your comments are much appreciated.
I have to say, though, that it isn't intended to be conservative. When I started it, I just wanted to have a number of writers who would intelligently say whatever they wanted. I didn't (and don't) care where it averages out on the political spectrum. Our writers range from libertarian through conservative to liberal, although I'll admit that right now it tends toward conservative. I kind of like that because it leaves me room to disagree with them.
I, too, can't understand why people are so afraid of competing points of view. In addition to reacting to our own writers, I read both conservative, liberal, and goofball blogs when I have time. As long as the liberals are disgusted with me because I'm a conservative and the conservatives because I'm a liberal, I reckon my head is probably in about the right place.
"As long as the liberals are disgusted with me because I'm a conservative and the conservatives because I'm a liberal, I reckon my head is probably in about the right place."
-I'm right there with you. :-) Can't seem to please any side lately. :-)
Thanks for being here!
Post a Comment