Is the environment at YA so inflammatory that rational discussion is all but snuffed out?

Question

I see enough indications that there's a contingent of Conservatives and Liberals who are well able to engage in productive dialogue with each-other, here at YA.

But, are we getting swallowed up in all the anger and hatred generated by the flamers? Are we reacting to the knee-jerk remarks that the flamers are generating in the opposing camps... by otherwise rational, civil people?

That 'YA politics', of course.

Answer 1

“Is the environment at YA so inflammatory that rational discussion is all but snuffed out?”

Yes… yes it is. Partisan Politics not only has a stranglehold on Y!A (Politics), but our Nation as a whole. I would love to blame it all on the current administration, but we as “Americans” have let “this” happen to us - nobody else can carry this weight upon their shoulders but “us”.

Answer 2

I am relatively new to YA and have enjoyed the exchange of ideas. And I have been able to sharpen my sarcasm skills on some of the obviously hateful questions. I have been violated several times in the last 2 weeks and it seems that there are people setting up accounts to bait people with a point of view and then (without cause) report them. Since it is equally obvious that YA does not read the violations they take an arbitrary action of removing the question/answer and don't seem to do any investigation. On one my answer violations I simple asked "source?" and I was reported.

Since then I look to see the profile of the questioner and if they are at level 1then I simply skip the question.

The constant thought of being reported and at the same time reading all of the hate has discouraged my participation.

I hope Yahoo will set up...

Answer 3

I can't help but to answer a snarky question with a snarky answer or meet stupid with stupid. Maybe that's the value of YA Politics, a place to vent out the frustration and sence of helplessness that not being represented causes.

There are much better sites for genuine political discourse on the web but I have yet to find one that is working both ends back to the middle.

Answer 4

Agreed, I'm tired of hearing "WHY DO CONSERVATIVES ______" or "WHY DO LIBERALS ______"
Same with the Christian/Atheist thing in the Religious discussions.
I would love to see some rational, normal disagreement and debate, rather than be called a nasty name or something equally immature.
A bit sickening, but Y/A is becoming a microcosm of the media.

Answer 5

Yes. Perhaps with school starting things will calm down a bit. It does become inflammatory and disruptive on both sides. We see the same trolls showing up day after day asking the same 'questions'. I've learned to ignore them for the most part and simply move on.

Maybe we should all consider doing that. If they lose their audience perhaps, they'll move elsewhere.

Answer 6

I agree with you. Try to have an intelligent conversation in politics, immigration, religion or even travel, and you are bombarded with outrageous comments.

Tick someone off and they will target you and give you a thumbs down on anything you answer.

Unfortunately, he who shouts the loudest here at YA gets the last word.

Answer 7

Yes. Rational dialogue seems to be impossible here. Make a reasoned comment here and the trolls will kill you. the lack of real discussion is why I don't visit this forum much anymore.

Answer 8

I really think it depends on how the questions are phrased. If you go on the attack over an issue, generally people don't respond favorably. That goes for both sides, frankly.

Then there's the CTs...

I admit I throw some zingers out there. These are generally meant to evoke a laugh, quite honestly.

Answer 9

Quit yer whinin'... Any of you people who come to Y/A for a seriously considered debate or challenge is goofy to begin with.
Most of us come here to enjoy a good laugh and ruffle some feathers. What do you think this is? If you have a problem here then go to religion and spirituality...That gang will eat you alive.
No one and I mean no one here is civil or rational. Lighten-up and have some fun. If you get serious here you're going to have mental adjustments to make. LMAO :)

Answer 10

Unfortunately, yes.

You and I disagree on much but I appreciate the rational, mature debate.

It's only a matter of time before this site is destroyed, by idiots.