Worry about DU when the majority believes and thinks the same...

[cynatnite]

worry about DU when the masses insist on everyone conforming to their way of thinking and doing things. I also worry when the herd mentality kicks in and runs roughshod over those who have a minority voice. That shouldn't be what we're about. The status quo seems to be to throw out baseless accusations such as accusing those who disagree or who stand outside the majority of DU as being RW trolls.

I feel comfort in DU when I see diverse opinions and ideas. I'm at ease with acceptance and a willingness to welcome those who truly value intelligent discussion, thoughtful reasoning, and a variety of beliefs.

Differing opinions should challenge us and make us think. Diversity is supposed to make us stronger. Even if the opinions aren't mine and even if the opinions go against everything I personally believe, it does not make them less important than mine. I will fight just as hard for an opposing opinion as I would for one that matches mine. That's America and it's the country I love...the good and the bad.

Peace.

[NYC_SKP]

1. I like the diversity, I dislike the insults, bullying, and cliques.

recommended.

[givemebackmycountry]

3. I like the diversity, I ignore the insults, bullying, and cliques.

I just roll with what I like and ignore what I do not.
It's a lot like life.

Lot's of good peeps.
And some that are not.

DU is a contact sport and if you play your cards right, you hit more often than get hit.

:toast:

[NYC_SKP]

4. Indeed, lots of good peeps.

More good by far.

It's quite the microcosm of a big neighborhood, with multiple generations, backgrounds, experiences, sensibilities, etc.

Without this diversity neither of us would come here.

:toast:

[Goldstein1984]

2. I'm new here, but the values expressed in this post are

those that I am seeking in DU.

[cynatnite]

5. Get your skin thick...

The discussion can be invigorating, but it can be brutal, too. If you behave in a way that departs from a few of the packs here, they'll try to tear a strip off your hide.

I still come here despite all that, but when it gets out of hand, I take a step back, go on vacation for a little while and then come back when I feel like I can work through some of the ugliness.

Stay around long enough and you'll find some good people here. There are plenty of those, too.

[spoony]

6. That's the best advice a new DUer can get!

I've definitely had to learn when it's time to disengage, from threads or from the forum as a whole. All about perspective and taking DU for what it is, warts and all. Great posts, cynatnite.

[Goldstein1984]

9. Thanks

I'm learning those things fast.

I had an experience where one person was throwing out the label "teabagger" over and over again. There was a time, which will come sooner next time, when it just didn't make sense to continue the thread. Another DUer told me I had most likely been dealing with what she called an infiltrator, which she said prowl around and try to take threads off topic.

Thanks. Good advice.

[Goldstein1984]

7. I've already found some good people

Thank you for the good advise.

After experiencing some of what you describe, I did step back for a few yours and think about what I had to gain and lose by participating. I also had a great extended discussion with another member, who gave me detailed descriptions of some of the problems. My skin is pretty thick, and my chain isn't that easy to pull.

This seems to me to be a group worth hanging around with. I'll learn the ropes as I go along.

Again, thanks for the good advice.

I like your posts.

[Smarmie Doofus]

8. When all think alike.... no one is thinking very much.

I think it's Walter Lippman.

[autorank]

10. All I can say is ... k*r

I disagree! Just kidding. You are absolutely right.

[pleah]

11. K&R

[Echo In Light]

12. True. United we FALL. Never understood why more don't get that.

[xiamiam]

13. i think we all agree torture and dick cheney...nt

[pipi_k]

14. The dangers of diversity of opinion...

It occurred to me that some people are so invested in their opinions and/or beliefs that they're afraid of them being challenged...or even changed...perhaps against their own wills.

And maybe others are afraid of the possibility of having to hold two conflicting opinions/beliefs in their minds at the same time. Too confusing! Makes their heads hurt!

I used to think that it was only the Right that saw things in strict terms of either black or white. Now I know that's not true. It happens on the Left as well, and just as rabidly.


I've always been a conflicted person. Some might say I'm "unable to stand for anything", and maybe that's true. All I know is that my beliefs have been challenged many times, and there are some days when I'm no longer sure of what I really believe. Sometimes I'm in the middle and just can't choose one side over another because I can see points on both sides. Which probably makes me an anathema to extremes of both sides because (GASP!!!!) each side thinks it's the only one that's truly "right" and righteous.

I've learned so much from people whose beliefs I don't share. That doesn't always mean I've been swayed to that side, but I have learned a lot.

:)



PS...and I appreciate people who can express a difference of opinion in a civil manner.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

15. There should be a rule against holding two conflicting opinions in my mind at the same time.

I prefer one at a time. Otherwise I get the woozy. :*