What happened to civilized discourse?

Question

Seriously now. When I first joined up on this site I was hoping for reasonably intelligent discussions with people of the opposite political ethos debating the various topics of the day. I realize that there is an election coming up, but its just gotten ridiculous. Now I'll admit, I been a perpetrator of this when I see some moron asking "Have you heard about the Democrat woman in the hot air balloon?" I'm going to give a glib response. And its not just the right, I have seen too many left wingers stoop to this level as well.

I think that debate is a great thing and that the best ideas come from having to challenge them and think them through. Can anyone recommend a site where civilized discourse is the norm?

Answer 1

Civilized discourse requires more intellect than most users possess...

I blame public education... (pretty much my standard response to any question)...

Answer 2

The politics category is being bombarded with lame slogans by a handful of full-time activists - it's just as bad as spam.
It has the effect of putting everyone else into retaliate mode.

I suggested on the Forum that a time limit be put on question posting, so that only 3 or 5 or some number could be asked per hour. This would at least slow down the barrage. Not much interest elsewhere, though.

Answer 3

I blame the parents...or the kool-aid.

Seriously though, as I've stated previously, alot of the Yahoo answers people are so blinded by their political beliefs that they're willing to generalize the competition (Liberals are lazy, drug addled SOBs, Conservatives are Greedy, inbred trailer trash who like to watch people suffer) rather than to actually think about the things people are saying and ignoring the possibility that although they may disagree with you on some things, they'll likely agree on others. For instance, I'd be classified as a "liberal" even though I'm pro-gun and share several "values" sentiments with the republicans traditional base.

Answer 4

The politics classification is being bombarded with lame slogans by potential of a handful of complete-time activists - it truly is in basic terms as risky as unsolicited mail. It has the effect of putting each individual else into retaliate mode. I cautioned on the communicate board that a ingredient in time be located on question posting, in basic terms so best 3 or 5 or some quantity could be asked in line with hour. this would a minimum of sluggish down the barrage. no longer plenty interest someplace else, in spite of the shown fact that.

Answer 5

Yes. Visit www.mediamatters.org Although the site is driven by the Liberal perspective, many of the people posting on this site are intelligent, critical thinkers from both sides. Granted, some of the debates are heated and often intense, but they don't just blindly argue with their hands covering their ears. Check it out.

BTW, I hate to say this, but many of the posters on Yahoo Answers are illiterate and uninformed. What strikes me most is when they ask a question, you give them a crisp, insightful answer supported by facts and still they completely ignore it and revert to quoting some idiotic rhetoric they heard from Rush or O'Reilly. It's quite an affliction to be hypnotized by stupidity.

Answer 6

Discourse is still there, but the 'civil' part...well, look at the school system for the last 30 years...

Answer 7

Anonymous discourse is rarely civilized.

Answer 8

BE CAREFUL I RESEMBLE THAT REMARK. I TOO HAVE BEEN GUILTY OF THE OCCASIONAL NAME CALLING AND UNCIVIL DISCOURSE BUT ITS THAT SOME PEOPLE SAY THE DUMBEST THINGS. YOU FEEL COMPELLED TO STRAIGHTEN THEM OUT. WE REALLY DO NEED TO BE A BIT MORE CIVIL. I AM ALSO TIRED OF THE HATE EMAIL.