Internet politics message boards

[KeithHybrid]

There is a major fallacy about discussing politics almost anywhere on the internet: once people get on the internet, they can become just downright petty, violent, sometimes even evil.

When people discuss politics in person, it's usually civil and done with a sense of decency (except for people like Bill O'RLY). Of course, we're in public, we can't just go around yammering about how cons are a buncha redneck hicks or that libs are a bunch of baby-killing homos.

However, for lots of people, once they log onto the internet, they become entirely different people. Protected by anonymity, we can be just as passionate about our deep dark thoughts as we wish to be, and (unless we're plotting to blow up buildings or something) no one can really do anything about it. We can go on and on about how much we hate people because of their political proferences, sexual preferences, race, gender, age, location, nationality, or just for the sake of hating.

In other words, a good, decent discussion of politics on the internet is nigh impossible.

[OrbitalDebris]

Is that such a bad thing? The internet is going to be a place where humans drop all barracades of retraint and pour their shit out wherever it drops. Its actually a nice look into true human nature.

And, yes, its frightening.

[lumpypaint]

such freedom is the annonimity of the internet.

and i DO run around in real life saying things that you said could only be said in the internet.

[lumpypaint]

At 11/17/07 09:50 PM, OrbitalDebris wrote: The internet is going to be a place where humans drop all barracades of retraint and pour their shit out wherever it drops.

for some reason that had me laughing for a really long time.

maybe because i pictured cavemen running around and shitting at the same time...

[Boke]

yeah but its better to talk on a forum than in person, in person you'll just end up in a fistfight.

Tip to all you future worldtravellers , don't talk politics, religion with other people at bars or people you just met, stick to the only conversation that everyone agrees to , sex

[Draconias]

At 11/17/07 09:43 PM, KeithHybrid wrote: In other words, a good, decent discussion of politics on the internet is nigh impossible.

I think you're completely wrong in every sense. The Internet is where you are most likely to find a decent discussion of Politics because more intelligent people can collect together and the asses who show up can be ignored or mod slammed. In real life, it's those asses who shout the loudest-- and try to take over any discussion. You can't ignore them, and they often end up as the ones who get political power because they scream the loudest and longest, ruining any chance of real discussion. Real life is the world with the problem, not the Internet.

[JudgeDredd]

At 11/17/07 09:43 PM, KeithHybrid wrote: We can go on and on about how much we hate people because of their political proferences, sexual preferences, race, gender, age, location, nationality, or just for the sake of hating.

Well then, that's not much different to a guy ranting from a soapbox in a town square then. You still get hecklers. And if you over step any common moral bounds then mods step in.

Furthermore, it's a far sight better than those preachers you get paying for airtime on Sunday morning TV or cable, because at least alternative opinions can be expressed and explored.

Why is it so bad that everyone has a voice, rather that just ears and eyes.

[SEXY-FETUS]

At 11/17/07 11:44 PM, Draconias wrote:

At 11/17/07 09:43 PM, KeithHybrid wrote: In other words, a good, decent discussion of politics on the internet is nigh impossible.

I think you're completely wrong in every sense. The Internet is where you are most likely to find a decent discussion of Politics because more intelligent people can collect together and the asses who show up can be ignored or mod slammed. In real life, it's those asses who shout the loudest-- and try to take over any discussion. You can't ignore them, and they often end up as the ones who get political power because they scream the loudest and longest, ruining any chance of real discussion. Real life is the world with the problem, not the Internet.

I disagree with your conclusion. This ignoring the "asses" is probably more akin to putting your fingers in your ears and going "la la la I can't hear you" when a point is made that doesn't go with your world views. In the real world you're forced to either address the point with a valid rebut or to rethink your opinion on the issue. On the internet you can just continue your circle jerk with the rest of the "Intelects" while as you say ignoring or having a mod delete the other opinions keeping your fantasy alive. Have you not noticed how much more opinionated and sure of themselves people have become since political debate on the internet has flourished? The internet would be a great place for debate if it weren't for the anonmity and vast variety. We have on one site a whole bunch of faceless conservatives giving eachother handjobs and on the other a whole bunch of faceless liberals playin cock to ass with their ideas. It's set up in such a way that it's near impossible to spread any different ideas into any of these millions of communities. No matter how right a person is coming in, he'll be mobbed lynched tarred and feathered for being such an "ass" and bringing those ideas around to a bunch of people who have no desire to hear them.
Seriously try this excersize. Walk into a catholic church. Try to convince them there is no higher power. Or even better, bring a book of mormon and try to convince them of that.

[bcdemon]

Could you imagine if some of the people on internet message boards said what they say on the BBS in an actual face to face debate? It would turn utterly violent, some people would be getting their asses kicked. Obviously there is no reason to get all worked up about someones opinion of government, but some people make it personal, with excessive insults and lies, and that's when the gloves come off.

If it weren't for places like the NG BBS, some peoples medical bills would be through the roof.

[SlithVampir]

Yes, it's futile. I don't care. I know I'm not changing any opinions.

But what it does do is teach me to debate against the very extreme of conservative ideas, while still maintaining a somewhat civil air. It's worth the practice.

[Ravariel]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2004/0 3/19