I was friends with someone until I discovered that she thought the US moon landing was a hoax. She refused to do any research that would contradict her belief and said I was a victim of a government conspiracy. I found that I couldn't respect her anymore because she was wilfully ignorant.
I respect all nature of relgious belief in my friends. But this example has to do with science, and not belief. I've never had any problems with friends because of their race or sexual orientation. But willful ignorance--ignoring all observable and credible evidence while proudly holding onto lies--was a relationship ender.
Has anyone else ever been in a similar, non-religious situation? Was I cruel or silly to act this way? What do you think?
2006-10-02 14:50:49 · 13 answers · asked by ? 4 in Family & Relationships ➔ Friends
I understand that everyone has a right to their opinion, but since when did scientific fact become opinion and subject to debate?
2006-10-02 15:01:43 · update #1
If this is the only reason, in my opinion it is a bit harsh. I would have a hard time taking her seriously and would probably become a bit embarassed if it came out with other friends--her conspiracy theory, but if it's the only thing getting in the way of your friendship why is it such a deal breaker? Is she ignorant about other things?
I mean, since you brought up religous belief...I had my best friend just up and declare the friendship null over "religious differences." While we see the world differently, I always liked hearing about how he saw the world and I respected it--but he did not like the way I saw it--or the way he perceived that I saw it. Eighteen years later and I can't say I feel ok with that.
I don't know. Belief...be it in God or Lunar landings...they make us who we are and they are hard to let go of. Maybe you should cut her some slack.
2006-10-03 17:42:16 · answer #1 · answered by Kindred 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES! My friend...'Betsy' thought that those signing girls from Hercules were meg's sisters(back in the sixth grade). according to the movie they aren't, according to greek mythology they aren't. But she wouldn't listen! Today now, it's the same thing, no one is allowed to be mad but her, and she must always be right. Well, I DID lose respect for her, because if she she can't come up with hard cold evidence before stating her facts then thats stubborn and ignorant. So go ahead, its not wrong for you to lose repsect. But you can't end a friendship ove rit, but you can lsoe a LITTLE respect.
Instead of ending the friendship, just neve rmention it again, let her be stubborn, she'll grow out of it. At elast everyone else knows the truth, if people call her stupid about it, it's her problem.
2006-10-02 15:04:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, I havent. I feel that I have a right to my opinion as well as my friends. I do not try to change them, I accept them for who and what they are. If they choose to believe in something I dont, then who am I to burst their bubble. But if asked my opinion on a subject, I certainly will hand it out. Friends will not always agree on all subjects. I personally dont think you thought of this person as a real true friend to begin with or else you would have shared your opinion and then let the argument go. I do think it was rather immature in your part. (sorry for my honesty.)
2006-10-02 14:58:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a lot of people who actually believe that conspiracy theory... I was shocked when I heard of it myself. But back to your question...
I have a friend that I absolutely love to death...we even share the same birthday...and we are totally unable to agree on an issue that is very important to both of us. After a long debate of the issue we both agreed that we would have to agree to disagree and not discuss it ever again. Our friendship is far to important to let one issue that has nothing to do with life or death kill our friendship. That was almost 14 years ago and I am proud to still call her one of my best friends even though we have moved to another state and I never get the chance to see her anymore.
So I guess you have to weigh the issue vs your friendship. If the friendship is valuable to you then you know what to do...if it was more casual and you can move on without....then move on...
2006-10-02 15:07:15 · answer #4 · answered by Barbiq 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, it is wrong. You shouldn't base your opinions only on the weird stuff they say, do and believe. Okay, so she believes the moon landing was a hoax - let her. If that's the only reason you ended this friendship, you two are probably better off this way.
2006-10-02 15:02:55 · answer #5 · answered by Jemma 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes we have to agree to disagree, I know you said that it was not over religious differences but my Best friend is a Hardshell Southern Baptist ( King James 1611 version only thank you very much) and I am A Charismatic Christian we do not agree on a lot of things except that we agree to disagree, however he is my best friend and closer than a brother.
2006-10-02 15:07:46 · answer #6 · answered by snoop_dougie_doug04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even at my age ... (24) ....I cannot remain really close friend and have intellectual discussion with someone I just find dumb.....so yes I get your point ....and I dont blame you for it .....
Their is a say ..about your friends.....something like ..shows me who your friends are and Ill tell you who you are ...(not sure if its exactly this since Im french but ...)
You dont want people to think you are the same way sometimes
2006-10-02 14:54:46 · answer #7 · answered by tinkerbelle_oceane 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it depends on the situation. I think it's wrong to end a friendship over this debate, and I hope you won't. As long as your friend is loyal, likes you, has your back, that's enough in a friend for me.
2006-10-02 15:04:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmm, I can see how you would get annoyed by that.
I think maybe you should've decided to ignore it if you were really good friends with the girl-but it's OK because why be friends with somebody who won't believe science?
2006-10-02 15:04:33 · answer #9 · answered by sweetdollツ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Willful lack of awareness is surely brought about by potential of evil. a regular rate faith might by no potential recommend ignoring data, extremely it would project you to question. religious perception without question is hollow perception. And hollow perception is vulnerable and could be easily broken.
2016-10-15 11:12:00 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋