Gossip

[_Moniker]

I've witnessed quite a bit of gossipy behavior -- wondering if this is something common in the Church? What about at ex-mo meetups? Is it fun to talk about private lives? Whispering, guess what I know about so and so?

'Cause I've been informed that this is pretty common. Is this created by the Church culture? Do you think?

Let's define gossip as not something that directly relates to you but hearing something 2nd hand and passing it on and talking to others about what you've heard. Does that work? Nod your head yes. :)

[_Zakuska]

Human Nature.

[_Moniker]

Human Nature.

I must not be human? Can't recall hearing something scandalous about someone else (trust me I have PLENTY of secrets) that I want to Twitter about with someone else... hmm... Can't say I'd want to be friends with someone that did that either.

[_Zakuska]

Either that or you being Holier than thou.

I've worked in several offices, some full of Mormons some mixed, some I was the only LDS there. It doesn't just manifest because of "Mormons", beleive me.

[_Moniker]

Either that or you being Holier than thou.

I've worked in several offices, some full of Mormons some mixed, some I was the only LDS there. It doesn't just manifest because of "Mormons", beleive me.

Maybe I am? Usually I'm told I'm of Satan.

I'm seriously trying to think of the last time someone came up to me and said "let me tell you what so and so did that is scandalous" and I replied, "oooh yah! I want to hear all the dirt!" *gasp* Wow! Twitter. Nope -- can't recall doing that.

[_Gadianton]

It's more common amongst Mormons for a couple of reasons. First of all, given their limited entertainment, with bans on R-rated movies, plenty of PG-13 movies, and even the local gym, what else is there to do? Then, because of their "high standards" or strange expected conduct, it's more newsworthy when someone deviates from the "norm" and there is greater pressure to hide one's dark deeds.

[_The Nehor]

I've witnessed quite a bit of gossipy behavior -- wondering if this is something common in the Church? What about at ex-mo meetups? Is it fun to talk about private lives? Whispering, guess what I know about so and so?

'Cause I've been informed that this is pretty common. Is this created by the Church culture? Do you think?

Let's define gossip as not something that directly relates to you but hearing something 2nd hand and passing it on and talking to others about what you've heard. Does that work? Nod your head yes. :)

Like Scratch's informants? :)

[_Moniker]

It's more common amongst Mormons for a couple of reasons. First of all, given their limited entertainment, with bans on R-rated movies, plenty of PG-13 movies, and even the local gym, what else is there to do? Then, because of their "high standards" or strange expected conduct, it's more newsworthy when someone deviates from the "norm" and there is greater pressure to hide one's dark deeds.

Hi, Gad! Thanks for the reply. :)

I think you may be on to something with the idea that deviance is given quite a bit of Twitter potential. So anything that steps out of bounds is instant gossip fodder?

On threads, in the past, I saw mention that men that came home early from missions were talked about quite often. That the fear of having the community scorn put upon them created severe emotional strain. I suppose it also may come from any community where there is social pressure to fit within the "norm". Is it your experience, within the Church, that those that stepped out of these norms were talked about ad naseam?

[_beastie]

In past periods of LDS history, members were encouraged to watch out for the behavior of other saints, and even report them to spiritual leaders if necessary.

I agree that gossip is part of human nature, and it doesn't take much to foster it. Gossip was always a problem in every LDS ward I've ever known. And the leaders sure do fuss about it enough to indicate it's probably a problem church-wide.

[_Moniker]

I've witnessed quite a bit of gossipy behavior -- wondering if this is something common in the Church? What about at ex-mo meetups? Is it fun to talk about private lives? Whispering, guess what I know about so and so?

'Cause I've been informed that this is pretty common. Is this created by the Church culture? Do you think?

Let's define gossip as not something that directly relates to you but hearing something 2nd hand and passing it on and talking to others about what you've heard. Does that work? Nod your head yes. :)

Like Scratch's informants? :)

I've mentioned before that I don't like it when there is character assassination. Of course the resounding silence from most of the community of this board pretty much fits with my understanding that it's not seen as such a bad thing??

Although I do think when you post something on a bulletin board that can be dredged up later (I mean if you posted it then it's there!) it's not gossip. Something that is meant maliciously that is passed on, and often warped by those doing the passing on of the information, is a bit different then copy and pasting old posts. Dontcha think?