Comment by timr

15 hours ago

I appreciate the thoughtful reply. I don't think I'm "talking past" the people I'm replying to -- I understand exactly what they're saying, I get that these are emotional outbursts, and I'm simply trying to re-iterate the futility of it, in the hopes that someone will get it -- but I do agree that it's likely pointless and probably a waste of time.

> It stifles legitimate and interesting discourse and prevents us from working towards better understanding each other

We definitely agree on this.

> So given that context, your argument will read to many as engaging in that style, and as a result they really don't want to engage with you on the merits of what your saying

If we are at a point where "do not call people names instead of arguing" is considered a tactic or a style, we really are doomed.

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timr

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Folcon  14 hours ago

Thanks for engaging with me positively

    > but I do agree that it's likely pointless and probably a waste of time

To briefly clarify, I don't believe it's pointless, that wasn't what I intended to convey, what my position is, is that the current mode of communication demands more of us, so as a result at least I and people like myself engage with it less often, but when we do, we do so wholeheartedly and if it looks like the other party isn't engaging in good faith, try a little, but are willing to wrap up, at least in my case after taking a few stabs at it

I personally find that this strategy both makes me feel more empowered and engaged in these situations as well as gives me hope that if my strategy is more sustainable, then it will slowly be adopted, which is good, I would be delighted to engage with someone who's also following this approach or something like it

    > If we are at a point where "do not call people names instead of arguing" is considered a tactic or a style, we really are doomed

I don't think it's quite that negative, from my perspective this has become a very negative value game (in the Von Neumann sense) and being mindful of the fact that it is very much being treated like a game, adopt a strategy that allows for people to engage with it like discourse, deescalate and clearly signal my willingness to engage with the other party, yet however still be a reasonable move in that game are all goals that should be met when I communicate in these sorts of contexts

Given there's likely multiple other ways to hit those objectives, the route I'm taking only being one of them, I'm satisfied to continue tilling the odd windmill here and there

Once again, thanks for engaging, have a great day!