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The Poison in Politics and the Hope of the Eclipse
8 years ago
When I was younger I used to love to discuss politics. I enjoyed debates over tax rates, economic growth, abortion, military intervention, the death penalty, mandatory minimums, etc.... I no longer enjoy them and am trying to avoid getting into them. Politics has become so polarized that any act of disagreement can enrage otherwise good people and make them do things they ought to regret. I know that in the last ten years I have seen at least three friendships destroyed because of politics and one other has been injured because of it; I am not innocent nor am I solely responsible. I hope that there will be no more losses, but I am not confidant given the state of things in this country.
I just read this article and found it very informative and helped settle my thoughts on the matter. I recommend every one read it too even if only for its historical perspective: https://americanaffairsjournal.org/.....ond-civil-war/
Damon Linker has an article also worth reading though it will not cheer you: http://theweek.com/articles/720428/.....uch-much-worse
Also, while visiting with friends this last week, one of them who is older than me expressed their belief that we were headed back to the violence of the late 60's early 70's in this country. If so I fear it will be worse because of the division in our country. I feel like we are all stuck in the Prisoner's Dilemma and we just keep voting to kill the other guy; why should anybody reach across to do the right thing anymore?
I've noted before that one of the things I appreciate about the furry fandom is that we are here not because of our politics but because of our love for anthropomorphism. Similarly, one thing I observed with great hope was the Eclipse and the reactions toward it. The news channels featured NASA scientists describing what was going to come, and people all over the country coming together to brave the traffic jams to witness something rare and amazing. For one day we were able to see past our differences to marvel together. It was amazing. It was a joyful reminder that not everything in life needs to be about politics and that we can unite and can treat each other as fellow human beings.
It may only be a glimmer of hope, but it is hope nonetheless. Not everything in life is political. Much isn't and we should stop making it so.
As for myself, I will do my utmost to remember that not everyone who disagrees with me on an issue is on the side of those who will have embraced violence as their means, nor are they somebody who is going to disagree with me on every issue. Today's opponent may be tomorrow's ally. Finding common ground and compromising for the good of our country is essential if we are going to heal the wounds in our country. And most importatly, treat everyone as a human/furry first and remember just because they disagree with you doesn't make them immoral or evil.
I just hope that my own stupidity won't cost me any more friends.
Dominus vobiscum
I just read this article and found it very informative and helped settle my thoughts on the matter. I recommend every one read it too even if only for its historical perspective: https://americanaffairsjournal.org/.....ond-civil-war/
Damon Linker has an article also worth reading though it will not cheer you: http://theweek.com/articles/720428/.....uch-much-worse
Also, while visiting with friends this last week, one of them who is older than me expressed their belief that we were headed back to the violence of the late 60's early 70's in this country. If so I fear it will be worse because of the division in our country. I feel like we are all stuck in the Prisoner's Dilemma and we just keep voting to kill the other guy; why should anybody reach across to do the right thing anymore?
I've noted before that one of the things I appreciate about the furry fandom is that we are here not because of our politics but because of our love for anthropomorphism. Similarly, one thing I observed with great hope was the Eclipse and the reactions toward it. The news channels featured NASA scientists describing what was going to come, and people all over the country coming together to brave the traffic jams to witness something rare and amazing. For one day we were able to see past our differences to marvel together. It was amazing. It was a joyful reminder that not everything in life needs to be about politics and that we can unite and can treat each other as fellow human beings.
It may only be a glimmer of hope, but it is hope nonetheless. Not everything in life is political. Much isn't and we should stop making it so.
As for myself, I will do my utmost to remember that not everyone who disagrees with me on an issue is on the side of those who will have embraced violence as their means, nor are they somebody who is going to disagree with me on every issue. Today's opponent may be tomorrow's ally. Finding common ground and compromising for the good of our country is essential if we are going to heal the wounds in our country. And most importatly, treat everyone as a human/furry first and remember just because they disagree with you doesn't make them immoral or evil.
I just hope that my own stupidity won't cost me any more friends.
Dominus vobiscum
Honestly, it's a mess. But I am honestly afraid of what happens if we don't ask questions. Are we to become complacent in ignorance? Is this polarizing aspect the pinnacle of human ignorance brought to light, and fueled by emotional outrage?
I can't say. All I can say is that there are so many misinformed people...And I feel it would be best if everyone was on the same page; If not for opinion, at least for the actual facts. That way we as a human race can move forward together.
Dominus tecum
I see things differently, and for everyone I know, I attempt in earnest to separate the personality, from the political/religious/sexual views, from the actions, and I think it's been a big help throughout my relatively short life. What is fascinating about adopting this position is that most of the people I know in the furry community have a great fat question mark next to their views, with which I have absolutely no problem, but I think reflects the kind of community that has been built up.
I'm upset to hear that some of your friendships have been sacrificed over the issue of politics over the years, because it's an issue that I so deeply want to discuss with people. I'm only 21, and I have no set views outside of a few basic principles, and the detailed views I hold are a result of the discussions that I have had. Without those discussions, I'm left with political writings and journals, news articles, party manifestos, autobiographies, and quite frankly, that is the most boring way of studying politics. In my case, I would much rather sit with a friend (or several!) with a cup of tea in the day, or a cool beer at night, and discuss the hot-button issues of the age, sure in the knowledge that, at the discussion's conclusion, I would still have my friends sitting opposite me. Maybe I'm naive for thinking this, but if political deliberation could be that way, I feel that the dystopia of a Second Civil War would remain as such.
Whatever your political musings, you've got a friend in Britain, happy to discuss them at any time. ^__^
Good for you!
My friendships were not so much sacrificed as destroyed in a way that I doubt can be truly healed, at least not in our current political climate. I wish it were not so, but... I think it good for you to start from Principles. It is what I try to do as well. And yes, I do enjoy it when I can discuss these issues civilly even if we completely disagree and leave knowing that my friend loves or country as much as I do and is truly interested in the common good; we only disagree on what needs to be done.
Thank you, Cymru!
Dominus tecum
Dominus tecum
As for troubles, "This too shall pass."
Dominus tecum
It really isn't surprising that friendships and families have been broken up by this and I'm sorry you had to go through that, Lord Rat. :<
I know more than enough people who take such unabashed umbrage to views that do not coincide with their own that it's painful to watch. There is no interest in discussion (especially if the other party is willing to listen), there is no interest reaching out to learn more beyond what your choice of media feeds you. There is only an intense desire to prove that you're right, your world view is correct, and the other is wrong. That's blatantly selfish and close-minded. I'm not talking about morality or whether or not either party is "right" (that's a whole other discussion eh?), I'm seeing how people just love to form schisms and aren't willing to talk calmly and /discuss/ their ideas without it devolving into an emotionally charged battle of baited words. I'll sit down and talk politics with a friend: our views do not coincide.. but that's alright. That shouldn't be the end of a friendship, for all you know it could be a valuable learning experience for both sides.
That's not what today's politics are about though. Like I said before, it's us vs them, fallacious to the core. smh.
Dominus tecum
Dominus tecum
Dominus tecum
Good grief Charlie Brown!
I'm going to have to make a whole youtube video to tear apart your journal piece by piece.
______________________
P.S. I try not to make everything a joke but I really couldn't resist that one.
Very good and wise words from you on your part and I strongly emphasize with what you're saying.
*gives ya a big hug* because I can.
Dominus tecum
Note that it is not the sole problem either, but its a huge contributor.
Dominus tecum
Dominus tecum
certainly there is no magical political formula for doing so, it has to come from culture.
beliefs encourage people to want to avoid causing harm, at least that's what they're for,
though they're not always very good at it, and even once people want to avoid causing harm,
they still can't do so by hating logic.
and that's really the beginning and end of politics, belief, morality and the whole ball of wax.
diversity is reality, natural and good.
every story and game a person finds entertaining, subconsciously influences their internally perceived culture.
this is something people were perhaps more aware of in pre-modern times,
before people started trying to make everything have to be about portable symbolic value,
i.e., the metaphor of little green pieces of paper, that aren't what's unhappy.
It is not sufficient to be righteous. That which is unrighteous must be destroyed.
Dominus tecum
When I am dead, I hope it may be said: His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.
More recently, American Affairs is excellent, though you can only read three articles for free each month.
Dominus tecum
Not say you can't, but people are resistant to their beliefs being challenged and perhaps logically so, but while I'm always open to the idea there's more to learn, at the same time I know I believe certain things and these won't change. I know there are some flaws I have that I understand and acknowledge, even though I try to judge everyone by their own merits and no other reasons...
People just need to respect that others opinions are just that and we must all be willing to find a compromise. You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you get what you need :)
Dominus tecum
Well that just means you need some more B5 in your diet.
Dominus tecum
Nah, I've seen all of B5 and the spinoffs. BSG is my jam. :)
Dominus tecum
I guess that's why I don't mind having a small number of true friends, particularly in the fandom, since I think we tend to have a stronger acceptance of diversity and understand that we don't have to absolutely agree on everything in order to relate to each other.
Like Dr. Seuss said, "Those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind".
I think the thing we have to keep in mind is that we can vote for one of two sides because we believe it to be in the interest of the common good, even if others vote the same way for immoral reasons.
Good quote!
Dominus tecum
Alas, debating in good faith seems nigh-endangered today! The ad hominem, ad publicum, even the ad pulchram (appeal to [perceived] beauty/cuteness) have become weapons in the current Cold War. Worst of all, questioning is oft maligned as a sign of weakness, even as betrayal — and no number of tears can ever be near enough to mourn this.
I'm truly happy that you're keeping the love of true science close to you — that is, "the cutting" away of the husk of foolishness and fallacy, and the honing of tools to better reveal truth, goodness, and betterment.
Stay safe, and keep the spark of loving hope alive! Even a smouldering spiritual cinder can still rekindle the inner fire, and heaven knows we need that unique flame in these years of darkness — that flame which warms yet never scorches, which burns but never consumes, which blazes but never blinds.
Let us see the best in each other instead and treat everyone as a unique person instead of some formless other.
Dominus tecum