Within the last week, I have been accused of being a b*tch (which, I won't lie, I CAN be, but don't think I was being in this case) and of making people "much stupider" (which I really hope isn't true, given that I've spent the better part of my career in educational fields).
In both instances, I took a view in opposition to those who responsed this way. My point is this: when did civility become optional? How is disagreeing with a position equal to attacking a person, and why is such behavior OK? I'm all for debate, playful arguing, and healthy banter, and I can hold my own even when it gets ugly. But have we as a society gone so far downhill that gentility and common courtesy no longer exist? Or is it because in our post- 9/11 world, if you're not for us, your against us, and we will treat you as such? Have we become Borg, and "resistance is futile"?
Do we have to be disagreeable to disagree? Maybe I'm just too old-fashioned or naive, but I don't get it. I'd love to hear others' thoughts on this.
Tori Praver
Jessica White
NFL Cheerleaders: Week 11
Best Players 6-5 and Under
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"much stupider" hmm...
Anyway I agree with you, I can have a debate with someone about something and then afterwards be cool with tha person and hang out with them later and have no mention of it. Anyway I think that if people take the if you're not for us you're against approach they'll miss out on meeting some potentially great friends
badgerfan07 back in…
Whitewater , WI
Total Comments (1543)
same here badgerfan^ ppl tell me i'm very good at debating and pretending nothing ever happend. wierd.
Anthony E-is out.
Easton , PA
Total Comments (5337)
So you actually want to have a reasonable discussion about sports without resorting to homerisms or name-calling? Awesome! You wouldn't think that'd be so rare. I've been called so many things I can't remember them all. If you look around, though, you'll find the cool ones who are here to talk sports and wont let it get personal, even if you support the enemy. I've even befriended a couple of (gulp) Trojan fans.
SoonerGirl
Total Comments (3178)
9-11? Nah, more like the dawn of time. Seriously, though, when did we start excusing being uncivil for being "passionate?" Don't take the namecalling to heart. Dudes call each other the same names they call women on this site. So yeah, I have been called that word here, too. I think for saying that "centers are not that athletic."
Deep South Sider
Atl, GA
Total Comments (1069)
Thanks all. I'm a potty-mouth and pretty thick-skinned, so it didn't bother me *personally*, but the overall lack of social graces today is really disconcerting to me.
I am passionate about the things I choose to support, but I THINK I can do so without denigrating others to get my point across. And when I DO throw a punch, I typically do so (or try to do so) with diplomacy. You know that definition, right? "Diplomacy is the art of telling someone to go to hell in such a way that he looks forward to making the trip."
:)
buck-i-girl: RIP…
Total Comments (3234)
As a Pats fan, believe me, I know where you're coming from
KPKahder -
Total Comments (45280)
oh and BTW? Im a "bi*tch" too.
Im ok with that.
helps me sleep at night knowing the playground bully is curled in a fetal.
KPKahder -
Total Comments (45280)
Oh yeah, sometimes it is fun being the bee-yatch-- I usually get called that by controlling men who are intimidated by a self-possessed woman... real men don't react that way...
:)
buck-i-girl: RIP…
Total Comments (3234)
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