How to have a rational discussion

[one...two...tree 2,762]

For example.

There's a communication exercise for person-to-person where you paraphrase the other person and then ask them if you got it right, giving them the opportunity to rephrase what they were trying to communicate. It's really a good way for real life interpersonal relationships. Unfortunately, as you are aware of on this board, there are some who have no interest in trying to even understand what the other is trying to say and would just as soon deliberately misrepresent the other person's position or what they've said. That's when communication completely breaks down. I would imagine the kinds of people that do this on public forums probably have similar problems with their interpersonal relationships as well.

Edited March 23, 2011 by 8TBVBN

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Yep. I think that is probably at the heart of why political discourse in this country is now so polarized.

It's not polarized no matter how hard the commies try to make it us versus them. There is a diversity of discussion out there. Once you leave Huffpo, Talking-Pointless, and Hannity behind, you realize opinions come from many sides, not just those that think they are right, and the rest of the county.

[sjr09 155]

There's a communication exercise for person-to-person where you paraphrase the other person and then ask them if you got it right, giving them the opportunity to rephrase what they were trying to communicate. It's really a good way for real life interpersonal relationships. Unfortunately, as you are aware of on this board, there are some who have no interest in trying to even understand what the other is trying to say and would just as soon deliberately misrepresent the other person's position or what they've said. That's when communication completely breaks down. I would imagine the kinds of people that do this on public forums probably have similar problems with their interpersonal relationships as well.

And you have never done this, on a public forum? Just a communication exercise.

[Captain Hammer 113]

And you have never done this, on a public forum? Just a communication exercise.

Which is not really the point. Just about everyone is guilty of these kinds of things at some point or another. We're really just being meta here, not pointing fingers.

[james&olya 1,121]

One of the problems is that people aren't willing to admit when they are wrong or even consider trying to reach compromises. Some here purposely want make the other people look bad. It's a sport, they won't change.

Rational discussion would also mean you don't generalize an entire political party or group of people as one way. As we see here in discussions, some really enjoy making the other side look bad so why would they want to stop if they enjoy doing it? If it's all for a laugh, it's not going to change.

I was a right-winger in high school till I spent a summer at an honors science program on a university campus. There we had great sophomoric arguments about the issues of the day, civil rights, vietnam, etc. I was bested in a number of those arguments by a kid in an honors social science program that was a lefty. I don't think he ever knew it but his knocking the stuffing out of my right-wing bs led me to a gradual but profound change in my politics and world-view. I still greatly enjoy seeing if my current beliefs and attitudes can hold up against whatever people can throw at them. In real-life (as opposed to on-line) people are more inhibited in their discourse for fear of causing offense. It has been very satisfying here to return to a more 'no-holds-barred' sort of approach. And yes, I have changed some of my views a bit as a result. So this is fun but at the same time it is useful as a discussion forum. People may not follow the above 'rules' outwardly, but internally real change is possible.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Meta is bleh.

I was a right-winger in high school till I spent a summer at an honors science program on a university campus. There we had great sophomoric arguments about the issues of the day, civil rights, vietnam, etc. I was bested in a number of those arguments by a kid in an honors social science program that was a lefty. I don't think he ever knew it but his knocking the stuffing out of my right-wing bs led me to a gradual but profound change in my politics and world-view. I still greatly enjoy seeing if my current beliefs and attitudes can hold up against whatever people can throw at them. In real-life (as opposed to on-line) people are more inhibited in their discourse for fear of causing offense. It has been very satisfying here to return to a more 'no-holds-barred' sort of approach. And yes, I have changed some of my views a bit as a result. So this is fun but at the same time it is useful as a discussion forum. People may not follow the above 'rules' outwardly, but internally real change is possible.

So, you got punked into being a commie? Really? Seriously?

[james&olya 1,121]

No reason it can't happen. People who care about their position (as opposed to your typical "troll") will understand that they undermine their own argument when they argue irrationally or unfairly.

[james&olya 1,121]

Meta is bleh.

So, you got punked into being a commie? Really? Seriously?

You aren't required to prove all the above posts about what derails reasonable discussion!

[_Simpson_ 250]

It might have changed since I was away - but for me it was never like this in the UK. People here do not have this tribal affiliation to political parties that seems to be prevalent on these boards and in the US media. Or if they do have it, it's not to anything like the same degree.

You have a simple case of grassisgreenerontheothersideofthefenceitus.

[Dan and Judy 614]

You are all wrong

[Captain Hammer 113]

You are all wrong

Congratulations, you win the internet.

[sjr09 155]

Which is not really the point. Just about everyone is guilty of these kinds of things at some point or another. We're really just being meta here, not pointing fingers.

Pointing fingers? EDIT Our just imagining

" I would imagine the kinds of people that do this on public forums probably have similar problems with their interpersonal relatitonships as well".

Edited March 24, 2011 by sjr09

[TBoneTX 45,918]

the kinds of people that do this on public forums probably have similar problems with their interpersonal relatitonships as well

I hate people, animals, and things. Do I qualify?

[sjr09 155]

I hate people, animals, and things. Do I qualify?

You do!

[TBoneTX 45,918]

You do!

But, but, but... I wouldn't belong to any club that would have me as a member, no man. And because I hate people, I'd hit the members of the club with a club, si man, and then hate the club itself. (Man, but this sounds like fun, si man...)