Atheist...Quick question?

Question

I often hear from atheist that they are "free thinkers" or "open minded". But how open minded is it to add me to your blocked users list? I'm really sorry if I make you think to hard...or if you don't have the answers to my questions. But to block me shows one of two things: a) You know I'm right and you don't like it. b) You truly are not "open minded".

Either way, doesn't bother me...I take it as a compliment. Thanks to those that have blocked me...I am sure you are the same ones that reported my questions.

So, all other atheist. Do you think it is right to block a user? Doesn't that go against "free thinking" or "open minded"?

Shouldn't an atheist block list be empty? Anything else seems to go against having an open mind. My block list is empty...

bettierage: obnoxiousness is relative to your perspective.

stiggo62: my Q/As are private because they were all getting reported...someone obviously was just reporting all my Qs.

Phoenix: You blocked me because you don't want me to reply to your questions. You never liked my questions, because you couldn't answer them. I wasn't surprised that I was blocked by you.

Joe F: show me a place where I called someone an idiot. Hypocrit, probably on numerous occasions...but I don't believe I ever called someone an idiot.

The logic puzzles had a purpose, and they served their purpose. You can go check, I never mocked anyone who attempted to answer...just those that dodged the question.

I concede..there is another reason to block a user...someone who is stalking your Q/As for reporting or sending offensive emails. In my case, I have done neither of those...that is why I only had two options listed.

Someone said something about the pot calling the kettle black.

And how many atheist are calling me arrogant?

Answer 1

I haven't added you to my blocked list yet. Should I? Though some will block if they suspect them to be "quick to report" or they got tired of someone's incessant email harassments.

Answer 2

I am an atheist and my block list is empty. I don't report and I don't block. However, some people have good reason to block when they've been reported so many times someone has gotten them deleted (and that goes for people of all beliefs). In the case of having your questions or answers stalked, it is the right thing to do.

There are a few christians that have me blocked but that is their choice and it doesn't get under my skin at all.

Answer 3

I only block in the cases of "Report Trolls". Since I have no idea who these people are, I have no one on my block list. But Bettie is right, in your questions you DO come across as extremely arrogant. It's not that you "make me think to [sic] hard", it's that your questions are worded in such a way that your obvious assumption of your own intellectual superiority comes through. In fact, you come across as so self aggrandizing and pompous, I often find it difficult to answer your question no matter HOW appropriate or possibly intelligent it may or my not be.

Edit -
Try all the pithy responses about pots and kettles you want. You're still making excuses, and assuming your own superiority.

Answer 4

Obviously you are bothered by being blocked (contrary to your claim). Why would you offer up this diatribe if you weren't?

As for the reason you were blocked, could it be that the blocker found you dull and annoying? I've blocked a few zealots before. Not because I'm closed minded, but because they'd follow me around, report my questions, and fill my in-box with meaningless drivel.

Answer 5

So people have their reasons for blocking people. I won't block someone just because they think differently then I do, but there are a few people I had to block for my accounts safety. (Chosen by grace went a little crazy on me.)

Just because you are open minded doesn't mean you can't block people...just because you don't believe in god doesn't automatically mean you are open minded either. Some atheists around here are just as pushy and close minded as some Christians.

Answer 6

I don't know why someone would have blocked you. I don't believe I have. But, the only reason that I ever block anybody is because they are rude or obnoxious or are advocating hatred and violence. Blocking people like this is not closed minded.

As I said, I have no reason to think that you have done any of these things.

Answer 7

I block users who I am certain have unfairly violated me, or who continue to bash other religions. I do not surround myself with such people in real life, and see no reason to do so here.
My open mindedness comes from seeing the value in many different religions and philosophies; it has nothing to do with opening myself back up to unfair violation reports.

Your block list may be empty, but your Q&A are set to private, probably for the same reasons I have listed.

Answer 8

I've never blocked any user. The only way I would is if they sent me a lot of harassing emails. I've got such emails, all from people who sounded like nutcase religious zealots but they always stop after 1 or 2, and its usually good for a laugh.

Answer 9

I'm not an atheist - but I'd like to answer anyway, if that's cool with you.

The only reason I would and did block the one person I've blocked is because they insulted me. "Retarded punk" was the phrase she used and I was just asking a question, about atheists, actually. It made me mad and I couldn't see the reason to be called a name. I did message her about it and she just kept insulting me. So I felt ok about blocking her.

But I would not block someone just because their opinion is different than mine. You have to be able to consider others' opinions if you are to learn and grow at all.

Answer 10

There is one more option, which is *my* reason for blocking people. I simply find their online personality abrasive. Simple as that.

I have exactly one person on block.

I am open minded. I don't concede that others are right ~ and I am wrong ~ with that function. It means that I don't want to be drawn into *their* consistent drama.

Answer 11

I think you can come across abrasive to some, perhaps that's why you were blocked? I mean, posting brain teasers and accusing atheists who don't get them right of being idiots isn't exactly the way to win over friends...

I personally don't care, as I enjoy brain teasers, and your opinion of me means crap to me, feel free to think whatever you want. But perhaps some were annoyed. I think it's less about being "open minded" and more about a character clash with you.