Your Thought/Replies Welcome!

[_Ceeboo]

I'm not sure if it's becoming worse or if the polarization of so much of US society is being reflected. It comes and goes. Some folks are more into the grappling and arguing that sometimes ensues, others are repelled. Different styles of perception, communication, etc. to be expected.

I think this is about how I see. I know I haven't been around forever but in reading a lot of the old threads there are some extended time periods of serious vitriol, especially between specific posters. It is probably indicative of a broader cultural divisiveness but I think it also springs from the pretty lax moderation rules around here (that I support).

From a personal strategy stand point, I just try to be the change I want to see on MormonDiscussions.com, even if I still often fall short.

And I thank you as well, Xeno! in my opinion, you provide more valuable and thought provoking material to digest.

for what it's worth, I am thrilled with how this thread is progressing so far.

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_Some Schmo]

In my mind, it has shifted (a lot recently) but that is just in my mind.

I suspect that the recent change in White House admins might have something to do with this perception.

What I will say is that anxiety seems to be up among the general US population. It's understandable for people paying attention to what's going on in their country.

But as I mentioned, the board doesn't seem any more or less contentious than it ever has. The subjects might move, but the mood remains the same. I, like you, have taken long breaks from the board at times. I do that because it can be exhausting, and I suspect you do it for the same reason. Antagonistic conversations on message boards are not new.

[_Ceeboo]

Hey SS!

More good thoughts in my opinion - Thanks for adding these as well.

In my mind, it has shifted (a lot recently) but that is just in my mind.

I suspect that the recent change in White House admins might have something to do with this perception.

While I agree, I don't think it's merely a perception. I think it's a reality. In addition, I think there are other factors, having nothing to do with politics directly, that might be in play as well.

Anyway, thanks again for the addition thoughts.

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_Some Schmo]

While I agree, I don't think it's merely a perception. I think it's a reality. In addition, I think there are other factors, having nothing to do with politics directly, that might be in play as well.

What other factors? (I'm genuinely curious).

[_Xenophon]

In my mind, it has shifted (a lot recently) but that is just in my mind.

I suspect that the recent change in White House admins might have something to do with this perception.

This exchange here jogged my memory on an article I read back in January that I thought was pretty good and has some relation to the OP. Being that I'm better a regurgitating than making insightful OC, here it is:

Politics Is More Partisan Now, But It’s Not More Divisive

It is a relatively short article (unless you rabbit hole down all the source material) that is worth a glance. I'll leave you with the author's final summation though.

These issues are difficult and divisive. It isn’t a trivial difference that they now separate the two parties from each other, where they once were points of internal contention. Partisan differences over fundamental issues of identity and justice certainly contribute to a sense that Republicans and Democrats live in two different worlds. But the thing is, looking closer reveals that Americans have pretty much always lived with major differences in experiences and opinions. Furthermore, periods in which the two parties were less clearly “sorted” have produced immigration policies that excluded whole nations and racial groups, and — in many cases — what amounted to an elite consensus to do nothing about violence and inequality.

Before we let nostalgia for compromise go too far, we might consider that finding common ground politically has sometimes made things worse.

[_Lemmie]

I'm not sure if it's becoming worse or if the polarization of so much of US society is being reflected. It comes and goes. Some folks are more into the grappling and arguing that sometimes ensues, others are repelled. Different styles of perception, communication, etc. to be expected.

It may surprise you, but I've actually learned to hold back a bit and there are posters that I ignore rather than reach my full sarcasm potential. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. But I always keep it in reserve for that special moment.

and those special moments are always most entertaining, Maks! But yes, I agree with you and, partly due to your good example, I've also been experimenting with my own personal ignore function a little. The OP seems determined to show he can do that by commenting on everyone's contributions but Kevin Graham's, but I thought KG added some good points, so I will risk the OP's wrath and quote one sentence.

It is that you occasionally drop these judgment threads on us as if none of it pertains to you.

Judgment threads do seem to be a thing around here, don't they? But apparently the internet is full of them, so much so that they have gotten their own RationalWiki page, as a 'troll' variation of all things:

[A concern troll] offers advice on how they could "improve" things, either in their tactical use of rhetoric, site rules, or with more philosophical consistency....the message is: "I have some concerns about your methods. If you did these things to make your message less effective, it would be more effective." https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Concern_troll

I don't think cb is intentionally doing this, so in my opinion he is definitely not a 'concern troll,' but the judgment threads here do seem to have that message. As far back as I have read threads here, there have been spirited disagreements, so I don't really understand these intermittent cries for a return to how it used to be.

And thanks, Xenophon, for the link to the Azari piece, very interesting read.

But the thing is, looking closer reveals that Americans have pretty much always lived with major differences in experiences and opinions. Furthermore, periods in which the two parties were less clearly “sorted” have produced immigration policies that excluded whole nations and racial groups, and — in many cases — what amounted to an elite consensus to do nothing about violence and inequality.

[_Ceeboo]

While I agree, I don't think it's merely a perception. I think it's a reality. In addition, I think there are other factors, having nothing to do with politics directly, that might be in play as well.

What other factors? (I'm genuinely curious).

Well, for one, I think the recent horrific, heart-breaking and monumental tragedy that just happened in Florida (again!) certainly has a lot of people trying to deal with a ton of anger, grief, sadness, disgust, etc, etc.

[_Ceeboo]

and those special moments are always most entertaining, Maks! But yes, I agree with you and, partly due to your good example, I've also been experimenting with my own personal ignore function a little. The opening post seems determined to show he can do that by commenting on everyone's contributions but Kevin Graham's, but I thought Kevin Graham added some good points, so I will risk the opening post's wrath and quote one sentence.

It is that you occasionally drop these judgment threads on us as if none of it pertains to you.

Judgment threads do seem to be a thing around here, don't they? But apparently the internet is full of them, so much so that they have gotten their own RationalWiki page, as a 'troll' variation of all things:

If this thread came across as a judgement thread, it was surely not my intent. In addition, I never claimed that I didn't play my part in the recent toxicity that I am suggesting exists here. As a matter of fact, it's precisely the opposite in my view and it is one of the reasons for me authoring the thread - as well as seeking others thoughts.

As far back as I have read threads here, there have been spirited disagreements, so I don't really understand these intermittent cries for a return to how it used to be.

I didn't realize I was making "an intermittent cry for a return to how it used to be." I thought I was making an observation that the spite and angry exchanges seemed to not only be elevated but that they were becoming very frequent - So, no, I wouldn't consider these things "spirited disagreements" at all. Truth be told, they are neither "spirited" or "disagreements."

I do appreciate you adding your thoughts as well, Lemmie

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_Ceeboo]

This exchange here jogged my memory on an article I read back in January that I thought was pretty good and has some relation to the opening post. Being that I'm better a regurgitating than making insightful OC, here it is:

Politics Is More Partisan Now, But It’s Not More Divisive

It is a relatively short article (unless you rabbit hole down all the source material) that is worth a glance. I'll leave you with the author's final summation though.

These issues are difficult and divisive. It isn’t a trivial difference that they now separate the two parties from each other, where they once were points of internal contention. Partisan differences over fundamental issues of identity and justice certainly contribute to a sense that Republicans and Democrats live in two different worlds. But the thing is, looking closer reveals that Americans have pretty much always lived with major differences in experiences and opinions. Furthermore, periods in which the two parties were less clearly “sorted” have produced immigration policies that excluded whole nations and racial groups, and — in many cases — what amounted to an elite consensus to do nothing about violence and inequality.

Before we let nostalgia for compromise go too far, we might consider that finding common ground politically has sometimes made things worse.

Interesting! Thanks Xeno!

[_Xenophon]

Interesting! Thanks Xeno!

No problemo, Ceebs!

Here is some more data on the growing antipathy between self-identified political parties from Pew Research. The unfavorability feelings being way up is probably reflective of that divide that you are sensing now.



Although both groups express such unfavorable views of the opposing party I thought this little snippet from the study was important:

While partisans increasingly express highly negative views of the other political party, most Republicans and Democrats say the reason they affiliate with the political party of their choice is more because they are for what it represents rather than against what the other party stands for.

I think that result reinforces the idea that we may be more divided as a people, but it is less divisive than it appears at first glance. I'm typically all for increased engagement as long as we are standing for something, as opposed to just always against.