Do you think fighting fire with fire is justifiable?

Question

Human history shows that violence begets violence and hate begets hate. Common sense says if you’re fighting a fire you use a water hose, not a flame thrower.

I see people insulting others on here quite a bit, and many otherwise intelligent and respectable people seem to think it's justifiable if they weren't the one to start the petty name-calling.

I understand how it feels to reach a breaking point and lash out. I've been guilty of this more than once. But do you think it's right to try and justify acting just as silly and hateful as the one who is attacking you simply because they started it?

It's that type of playground logic that seems to dictate R&S on days like this.

Okay let's not discuss the art of fire fighting. I was talking about like building fires when they bring out the big fire hoses.

What I'm trying to talk about here is how so many people seem to think it's okay to stoop to the level of petty insults if provoked.

Answer 1

There was a movie back in the 80's called Wargames, with Matthew Broderick.
Although it was more an extension of the producers anti war positions, at the end, the bottom line was "the only way to win, is not to play".
In this situation, it applys.

Answer 2

Playground logic or not, mankind lives by a simple creed:

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth."

No matter how much water or chemicals we throw to dissolve a conflict the conflict will arise again. Humans are controversial by nature and it is an innate quality to either fight or fly. War will always happen. People will always murder, bully, and terrify others because it's a part of our personality.

It amazing that nobody ever mentions taming the Tasmanian Devil (one of the most vicious small animals). Do you know why? Because the Tasmanian Devil is a mean, horrid little creature that attacks everything in sight and scientists know that it is hard to adapt animal behavior. Which brings me to my point, humans, no matter how much you dress us up, are still animals.

Society has tried to counter our aggressiveness by feeding us medication to be passive but it will never get rid of those tendencies because it's built into our psyche.

Answer 3

Sometimes it IS justifiable to fight fire with fire. For example, often the only effective way to deter a playground bully is to punch him as hard as you can in the nose.
But in a forum like this? No. If a debate degenerates into name-calling, it's best to just leave it alone and move on to the next question. If someone starts calling you names, you've already won the argument anyway.

Answer 4

I have often referred to this in Q&As on my previous account. This mindset may prove the downfall of mankind in the future, when somebody starts a nuclear war. One nuclear bomb in one country will cause damage, but how much can Mother Earth take if the other country retaliates? Especially if the radiation spreads to a third country, who then retaliate.

It's pretty scary. That's why we (as a human race) need to learn to love each other, and accept everybody, regardless of our differences. Once we have destroyed our species and our planet, it won't matter who has more money and bigger weapons.

And it's all perfectly replicated here on Answers. It may only be a forum, and it may not be a major 'life-changing' experience, but it is a near perfect snapshot of life in a bigger scale. We have our wars in here. Our political struggles. Our opposing armies. Our alliances.

Only by different names.

Peace is important to us all, even those who don't agree. Let's bring it to the world at large. Let's do it together. Anybody who agrees, mark your answer as follows:

(X)

By doing this, you have not joined any factions, only stated that you feel the same way as me.

((((Rachel))))

This loving answer is sponsored by PurpleShade™ - We make hugs for any occasion.

Answer 5

Honestly, I think a lot of people simply need to work on a sense of humor.

Yes, there are a lot of bad seeds on all sides of the R&S fence that continue to ooze hate and name calling, but the majority of us that seem mean are really just kidding.

I think that people need to lighten up and realize that laughter isn't restricted to specific religions or beliefs...

Laugh once in awhile, and the world won't seem so darn serious all the time!!!

Answer 6

Insults are just indications of the lack of understanding and level of maturity of the person who uses them. If they hit home and anger you, then that is an indication of your own level of maturity and lack of understanding. To respond in kind only escalates the misunderstanding and does nothing to further your position. As soon as anyone stoops to that level they have lost the argument, in some instances an unexpected response will shake one out of their hysteria; in others no response is the best response. The true sign of one who knows is that they feel no need to defend their position. They know the nature of truth is that it is what is real has always been and will always be hence needs no defense.

Answer 7

Actually, when fighting forest fires, it is a good idea to create firebreaks either by bulldozing or by using controlled fire to remove fuel from the path of the oncomming fire.

But you're right, in the practice of the world, hate and violence only create more of themselves. Refusing to respond with them, however, shouldn't mean that you have to be a doormat. It is perfectly permissable, in my mind, to defend yourself while not causing escalation.

Answer 8

A website such as this assumes that we are capable of handling our problems reasonably. However, you are right, people are using personal attacks.

What I believe in is a reasoned, and serious discussion, when called upon. What we must let others know is that personal attacks are the lowest form of appeal. Personal attacks PROVE nothing.

As a practicing Christian, I also believe though, that we should also "turn the other cheek" even in the most dire of times.

Answer 9

It works in war and fighting a forest fire.

As for people, for the most part, we should respond with a soft answer. As Scripture says, that will turn away wrath.

However, there are times that one must stand up for themselves. I don't mean the pettiness that you site. That falls under the soft answer category. I'm talking about those times when everything else has failed, or in life threatening situations. At those times you must come out swinging.

Answer 10

I have always tried to be polite. Some postings that continue to misstate others' positions do get under my skin. If people would actually research the others position before passing on things that they "know" about another religion, more progress would be made in actual discussions.

EDIT: If I have offended anyone along the way, I apologize.