Quote:
Originally Posted by tripods68
Hey Syracusa
I completely understand where you're coming from. In fact I would probably enjoy a conversation with you  |
Thank you for "getting me"
though I normally would not expect this kind of solidarity. I am aware that some of my views are not in sync with today's mainstream American culture, not even the mainstream of other contemporary cultures. I admit to having some strong views about certain things that may not be all that popular today or may be perceived as old-fahion, dated or no longer "in"; but at the same time I resent having to always "shut up" and keep low profile just because my views are not some of the most democratic, fashionable, or "in" to date.
However, I have always made a point of
avoiding ad hominem attacks, of pointing fingers at specific people and using insulting, in your face expressions. I certainly would never tell a forum member "I don't like you! " simply because what they said is not along the lines of my own values or beliefs.
I would probably debate the issue with the arguments I have at hand but would never just tell someone "I don't like you, you're arrogant, you're rude" based on their views only. My point here boilt down to "I am just not compatible with certain types of people and it would be nice if I could live in a neighborhood with people I could relate to and click with". That was all.
Those who felt they could strongly indentify with the prototype I have
described jumped out of their chairs with a declaration of war. But then again, I am not surprised. I just find it funny how the biggest champions of "diversity", "niceness", "everybody is great just the way they are!", "I've never met a person I did not like" theories become the most agressive, out of control individuals when they hear views lying outside of their popular doctrines.
In the end, I've always wished everyone well, including to those people I do not see myself compatible with vor a variety of reasons. Live and let live is one thing. Being a hypocrite or wasting your time (and theirs!) with people with whom you cannot connect on a meaningful level is another.