Has Yahoo Answers achieved its objective?

Question

Yahoo Answers, is, in my opinion, a brilliantly designed network that encourages moderated debate and information sharing.
Aside from being a fun information tool, it forces serious participants to research opinions and events in order to participate intelligently in any kind of debate.
On the issue of South Africa, I have learnt things I had no clue about until I became a participant here.
I've been forced to read and acknowledge the opinions of people I might not even like, but at the end of the day I've come out informed and more well rounded.
Opinions?

Answer 1

On a serious note. Yes, it has. And I can't agree more with you. But above all, the good thing about the SA section is that it gives us a platform to do what we do best as South Africans, talk and talk and talk until there is some sort of accommodation of all ideas. That is what is unique about SA. We come from adversarial backgrounds. Black and white were, as a general position, not drinking from the same cup. But we learnt that we either succeed together as people of a country or we all sink.

I enjoy the abrasive style of Brad; the forever positiveness of Innocentia, the defty BullI, the playful Tshepo, the list is endless.

Honestly, I respect almost every regular on this section. The only problem is that it seems I am getting addicted to the site. Maybe I should find a job at the mines and work underground. That way I will cut the amount of time I spend on this forum.

In the meantime, let's pump it!

Answer 2

Wow guys,

Sounds like you have all taken mellow pills. Wonderful but what's happening?

I find it Interesting that if you just keep communicating for long enough a common ground will be found - debate does that, I think. Each begins to respect the others opinion and through knowledge there becomes a grey area which can be called common ground.

Not to say your stand has to change completely but in gaining an understanding of another's point of view a respect for his space emerges.

I have always believed that. Its why when South Africa wasn't working politically it worked on a one to one level. Everything else aside, I always got on with people of all sorts of backgrounds just because they were people and I was a person and we spoke to each other.

Now all this energy should be towards making the country safer - not because its politically correct, just because it will make it a better place for us all to live in.

Answer 3

I suppose to a degree it has... Actually, lets just say it has.
I've learnt a lot as well, have had fun and laughed...etc.

But there are still people who use this as a tool to hurt others for some unknown reasons. For example, the Culture and Group section is flooded with pure prejudice and such idiotic individuals. People ask such demeaning questions that cant help anyone through life except hinder them... Things like, "why are black women so ugly" or stuff like "Why aren't white men as well endowed as blacks?"...

I think some just haven't yet grasped the entire reason behind yahoo Q&A...

Unless I'm wrong in believing its a place where knowledge is shared, gained...etc Not an open floor for people to parade boredom, lack of knowledge and prejudice...

I'm glad to hear whats its done for you... I must say I've learnt a lot from you as well... As much as I've wanted to throw a pie in your face...lol
I realize we cant impose ourselves and opinions on others, and what one has grown up with might not always be right...and to accept others opinions (if fair)

Answer 4

Yes, isn't it funny? And it makes you think, it keeps you bright. Just sorry that everybody doesn't respect your opinion, but I enjoy it here.

What I love the most is that you can communicate with people from all over the world, get everybody else' opinions from different cultures, believes and religions. Cool!