As I go around to the various blogs I read, I sometimes wonder what I'm doing here. So many of them are so far from my political beliefs and values that my head begins to spin.
What first drew me in , were the differences...I find it fascinating to hear varying opinions and try to keep an open mind to other points of view.
But lately, I have found the differences almost painful. The divide between "the liberals" (whatever that means, anyway...as if people can only think one way and have no diversity) and "conservatives" is so great, that hostility seems to be all that's left in the middle.
I find it difficult to swallow. I want to keep reading the various blogs I read, but frankly have a hard time when the topics become filled with hatred and loathing.
It is a dilemma, because there are parts of these blogs that I so enjoy. I will not mention names, because there are far too many to count...I could not even narrow it down.
I wonder if this is a problem I alone experience, or if it is true for others as well.
Just wondering.
11 comments:
That has been my sentiments for months. It was getting really depressing. That's why I have great respect for people like David (Treppenwitz)who appreciates and thinks out of the box on many divisive issues. He is often able to mediate and hopefully is wielding some positive infuence and awakening many of those, who often, keep shoving people with different approachs to life and ideologies into boxes stamped with slanderous labels.
S.T.: I will have to read Treppenwitz. I've seen him comment many times.
Danny: I'd rather not get specific, because for the most part my experience has been like yours, good natured discussions. Much of the hostility (I suppose hatred and loathing is a bit harsh)shows up in comments, interestingly enough. And, frankly, that comment about Brokeback Mountain IS a prime example of hatred in my book.
By the way, read my post prior to this one...you get an honorable mention!
Happy New Year, Cruisin! I think I finally have time to blogroll you later tonight.
I hear what you're saying. Some blogs I stray from eventually and others I leave altogether, while others I love even though I just don't agree with them.
I totally agree with you, and find it a troubling aspect of the blogosphere. The labels, slander and personal attacks you have noticed are repulsive to me and detract from my enjoyment of blogging. I think people say and do things on blogs that they wouldn't dare say or do in person. When I comment, I try always to imagine that the person is in the room with me, and tone my response accordingly. I enjoy Treppenwitz for the same reasons sweettooth mentioned.
I have also found myself in situations where I don't like the tone that has developed. In those situations I usually just stop participating.
Stacey: thanks for blogrolling me!
Wanderer: thanks for your comments...I agree that we say things on-line that we might not ever say in person. Just another part of what fascinates me about this whole blogging phenomenon.
I try to steer clear of politics on my blog for that reason. Some of my blogging buddies can't figure out where I stand for that reason, and that suits me just fine.
I am also against labels and I rarely use them. Personally, I like to deal with issues individually, so I resist being forced into "liberal" or "conservative" labels.
But I've commented over and over that the anonymity of the internet allows people to say things that they would never say in person, and that's usually not a good thing.
Guys like Trep are pretty good at addressing the argument, not the arguer.
Others, not so much.
For those on the extremes, they seem to think you are what you espouse, and therefore if they detest your point of view, then they detest you.
P.T. I agree, I don't think people are just one way...and the labels become a barrier to understanding and tolerance.
It is one of the harsher aspects of the blogosphere. I really love the back and forth and enjoy learning from different people, but the nasty side can be disheartening.
I'd like to say that I am good about not getting involved in it, but I certainly have been guilty at times. Too mush passion in the blood and the occasional lack of restraint.
Jack, I think you do a good job of listening to both points of view, even if you may state your preference for one or the other.
And when I see you go off on a commenter, it's usually the other guy who started it.
nice to know I'm not alone in what I observe...funny thing is...that my experience of all of you who commented has been positve.
PT,
I appreciate that, but I am not sure if I am always innocent. I try hard, but...
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