Why do all discussions turn into shouting matches and name calling?

Question

Every time someone asks a question, it turns into:
"Liberals are _____" Insert insult here
"Republicans are _____" Insert insult here

Why can't we have a civilized discussion between people with different opinions?

Peace and love everyone :)

Answer 1

People cannot remove themselves from their bias and hatred, and are therefore unable to view an argument in a detached and objective manner. Part of this is stems from immaturity, but maybe it's because they are unable to give a true argument supporting their position, so all they do is post reflexive answers with no thought in them.

People are selfish. They don't want to see the reason behind other people's arguments. They won't even consider what is before them. They're right, and everyone else in the world is stupid and against them. They don't want to hear the reasoning behind other people's opinions, because hey, they're already right, so what's the point?

I suppose it's human nature, but it really is disheartening. Unless people learn to compromise and are genuinely interested in making progress, nothing is going to get done. I suppose the original intent of this site was something along those lines, but it's not happening.

Or maybe it is just the trolling phenomenon the guy above me mentioned. It would give me a slightly more hopeful view of mankind.

Answer 2

Because each side is very passionate about their beliefs, and many questions step heavily upon their toes. Peace and love will not work in today's society, due to the enormous hatred bred in the cultures of many Nations, against the United States, often from birth. And add to that the new technology of other Countries, who are becoming more skilled in the art of building weapons, that are particularly dangerous to everyone, thus the need for the Weapon's Inspectors.

If you check the proceeding questions of the Person asking the questions, some/many, are spewing forth hatred, for our Government, as fast as they can type. Then they try to cover this up, by saying that they were just joking. There is nothing funny about dissension, betrayal, ignorant and hateful comments, and especially the bashing of our Country.

And We wonder why we can't get along with Other Countries, when We can not agree amongst Ourselves.

Answer 3

It is a perennial frustration for me as well, when you enter any Internet forum, which at face value promotes itself as a serious place for discourse, and then when you enter into a discussion with someone, either the individual you are discussing a topic with, or a third party, resorts to ad hominem attacks. Instead of addressing the contentions of the person you are conversing with, aspersions are cast right and left.

I think when it comes to political exchanges this principle especially holds true. If I were to attribute this phenomenon to one culprit it is the notion, particularly in America, that people don’t have substantial knowledge on the topics that they choose to discuss, and merely enter a written forum with emotion, not rationality. Hence, it only makes sense that logic goes out the window and all that is left is the visceral.

Answer 4

If people have no good argument to defend their opinion, they just refer to shouting and name-calling!
But naturally you are right! It is really sad that people cannot have discussions in a civilized manner! You find that also on TV, where people try to all speak at the same time and so out-shout each other, as very often on Fox-channel!

Answer 5

Why you #*$*@&^!!!

Sorry, I'd love to have a real discussion of issues here, but serious people are hard to find. By serious I mean people who can think before spouting off, not people without a sense of humor.

I wish that Yahoo would take a little control here.

I have been reporting the worst cases that I find. Maybe Yahoo will revoke their privileges. Join me in this task and maybe, just maybe some acts will be cleaned up.

Answer 6

The answer is simple, those that resort to name calling and slander can only repeat the stereotype labels applied to both parties. When faced with an actual intellect, they can only argue instead of debate. These are usually the same people that vote elephant or donkey just to vote for their party and have no clue what the candidate stands for or the candidates history.

Answer 7

Yahoo message boards (and also some of the answer boards) are infested with many trolls. This is known as the Yahoo trolling phenomena. Most of these people aren't serious. Some are, but most are just trying to get a rise out of people. You might even say it is sort of like a sporting event.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahoo_trolling

Answer 8

Don't worry dear friend, let LOVE on Yahoo be SO BIG that it can absorb and forgive every insult/mistake "the youngesters" make. Don't forget they are young and enthusiastic, they need experience. Once they get it they will not shout insults at others. "Filled containers do not give loud sounds."

Answer 9

Actually, when the questions aren't insults to begin with, then it ususally stays above the fray.

But when it opens with "Libtard" or "NEOCON" in the question, of course it's going to get worse and worse.

I wish they would have "Politics for the Mature" and "Politics for the Unintelligent who can only spout insults." That might solve the problem.

Answer 10

Many people do not know how to have a debate or make an effective augment. They resort to juvenile name calling because they are incapable of higher thought. Also, some people just don't have any self/anger control.