Is it possible to ask or answer a political question on YA without attacking the other side?

Question

Both questions and answers seem designed to attack, defame and, where possible, destroy anyone who might disagree.

This isn't a Republican or Democratic...liberal or conservative issue. Both sides engage in the process equally.

Is this "healthy" political discussion or debate?

Does anything positive come from it?

Answer 1

It is possible. But many people on the extremes feel as though they are on a crusade. Although the further to the extremes you get the less valid their argument becomes because it is formed more on ideology than fact.

There used to be a lot of good exchange of information here, but many of ther better contributors refuse to answer on this forum due to excessive partisanism and polarization.

Answer 2

Is it possible? Most certainly.
Do others choose to do it instead of insulting, defaming or attacking the opposition? No, they don't.

I have come to the conclusion that those that must personally attack another with an opposing point of view can't intelligently debate the issue at hand. One must understand (not necessarily agree with) the opposing viewpoint so they can defend their position.

I will admit - I have participated in the "bashing" of the opposing viewpoint, but have done so out of "fun". I have tried not to personally attack another (unless provoked), but alas, I have sunk to the level.

Does anything positive come from this forum? Most certainly. I do think that it gives people a place to voice their opinions freely and openly without having to be "exposed" (as in they remain anonymous). And I don't know about you, but some of the arguments against my view have been somewhat intelligent, and have made me rethink my viewpoint. Isn't that what debating is all about???

Answer 3

there are particular knee-jerk reactions that i will not be able to administration: If somebody starts a question with: "Why do all (ethnic or social group). . ." the respond is they seem to be a bigot. If somebody starts a question with: "Why do liberals prefer to provide as much as Iraq whilst 9/11 happened because of the fact Saddam Hussein. . ." the respond is they're an fool. If somebody starts out a question by skill of telling me what i've got confidence, as a liberal, based entirely on what they hear on the radio and Fox Noise, i will return their spite and phone them the sheep that they are, oftentimes after declaring what i actually have confidence as a liberal. certainly, ask a civil question, get a civil answer. Use some sort of slogan or dumb spelling of liberal or besides the fact that and be relegated to the inane shouters on the sidelines who have no ingredient or suggestions of their own.

Answer 4

This question doesn't seem designed to attack, however I bet you will get a few attack responses. Just seems to be the way things work. And no, nothing positive comes from the ignorant attacks. If you pay attention you will find the people who are intelligent and have well thought out arguments. Pay attention to them and ignore the rest.

Answer 5

It is of course POSSIBLE to do that. Does it happen often? No. What I have found is non-inflamitory questions draw less answers. Strangly enough, while the answers they get are usually thoughtful, there are no more good answers in number than there are to inflamitory questions.

For example: I generally get 4-8 answers to questions I ask that are deviod of name calling. Usually all, or almost all of these answers are well thought out (whether I agree with the view expressed or not).

The average flaming question generates 20-30 or more responses, of which 4-8 are generally well thought out.

So aside from having to wade through crap answers to get to the good ones, there turns out to be no difference in the number of quality answers each type question gets.

Go figure.

-Dio

Answer 6

First, it opens discussion, which is good. but most questions, especially political, are asked and answered in ways that only invite a sense of attack on another sides veiws. Since we can't stay in the middle of the road, as most politicians do, its best just to be sure to know exactly what you are talking about and able to back it up. Debating is just another way of pushing someone elses buttons and wait for the war of words to begin.

Answer 7

Yes, there are questions people could ask without attacking the other side ....like?

1. What do you think Bush will wear on vacation today?

2. How much do you think gas will jump today?

3. Do you support giving more jobs to China so they could send more of their women over here?

4. I just lost my job because of layoff---do you still have a job?

5. Are we humans or just cattles?

Answer 8

Yes its possible. But what we need to realize is that just because someone disagrees with you and back their argument with facts should not be seen as an attack. I hope you libs are listening!!

Answer 9

I think a lot of it is the kids on here. The weekends get really bad and so much of it is such foolishness that it doesn't come off as having come from the adults.

Answer 10

When I ask questions I usually attack both sides. Does that count?