Can Pictures Enhance Online Political Discussions?

  • Thread starter Blahness
  • Start date
In summary: devotedness...? Anyway I think the main problem is that some people couldn't be objective. Anyone who read some of posts in that forum, could see how some people 's positions is inconsistent in different discussions!:eek:I think that's a big part of the problem. People seem to be very passionate about their opinions, and they don't seem to be willing to listen to others' opinions if they don't agree with them.
  • #1
Blahness
113
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Is it just me, or is that forum there mostly for our community to rag on the world?

Or is it just me? >_>
 
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  • #2
That's not the intent of the forum, but it seems to be the current pattern of posts. We're working on a clearer set of guidelines for that forum.
 
  • #3
Hi Blahness, as Moonbear mentioned, we are putting together guidelines which will hopefully improve the quality of discussion in P&WA.

If you have any ideas on how to improve the forum, please feel free to pm me. All suggestions will be considered.
 
  • #4
I think some people discuss politics like they discuss religion, which leads to heated exchanges.

I think it would be worthwhile trying to elevate discussion of politics as one would discuss a scientific problem - with evidence or facts.

Part of the problem is the mixing of opinions and factual statements, or perhaps it is more a case of opinions are stated as though one is making a factual statement, rather than preface an opinion with something like, IMO, or whatever.

Another problem is the use of allegations, which are often unsubstantiated. People should be encouraged to use statements such as "it is alleged that . . . .", "it seems that . . . ", or it appears that . . . .".

It would be nice if people can simply agree to disagree and still be mutually respectful. :smile:

There are many important issues regarding economics, social policy and international relations, which are worthwhile to discuss, but not if the only result is acrimonious bickering.
 
  • #5
I think it would be worthwhile trying to elevate discussion of politics as one would discuss a scientific problem - with evidence or facts.

Yes, let's try an ironical approach. :biggrin:
 
  • #6
Ivan Seeking said:
Yes, let's try an ironical approach. :biggrin:
:rofl: I guess one problem with respect to politics is getting the evidence or the facts.

And one certainly has to contend with the reliability (or lack thereof) of the media. :biggrin:
 
  • #7
Astronuc said:
:rofl: I guess one problem with respect to politics is getting the evidence or the facts.
And one certainly has to contend with the reliability (or lack thereof) of the media. :biggrin:
These are both problems that make politics a bit different from science topics. But, with regard to your other points, yes, one of the things the new guidelines will very likely address is that when people make a statement of opinion, they make it clear that it is opinion. In other words, opinion in politics is okay, as long as it is not asserted as fact. If someone does assert something as fact, then they should also have the burden of providing evidence to back up that claim.
 
  • #8
Astronuc said:
:rofl: I guess one problem with respect to politics is getting the evidence or the facts.
And one certainly has to contend with the reliability (or lack thereof) of the media. :biggrin:

And politics is too subjective. There is no real right or wrong unless you're one of these people who think their views on life are the only right way of looking at things and any opposing viewpoint is evil... which means you're wrong by default even if you're right :tongue2: . It's tough to compare with things like physics or math because you can't have someone say "E=mc^2" while someone else says "no no, E=mc^3" since there's a set proof of how science works. How could you really scientifically approach things like a certain congressmen's immigration policies? In the end, you will run into subjective roadblocks where it completely comes down to a persons core beliefs in life which you can't really say "no, that's wrong" to.
 
  • #9
Pengwuino said:
And politics is too subjective. There is no real right or wrong unless you're one of these people who think their views on life are the only right way of looking at things and any opposing viewpoint is evil.
While that's true, there are objective facts involved in supporting arguments.
 
  • #10
Astronuc said:
I think some people discuss politics like they discuss religion, which leads to heated exchanges.
That's exactly why I think discussing politics shoud be banned in this forum!:tongue2: (I've almost banned myself from these discussions.:approve: )
Anyway I think the main problem is that some people couldn't be objective. Anyone who read some of posts in that forum, could see how some people 's positions is inconsistent in different discussions!:eek:
 
  • #11
One thing that really really confuses me are the people who are in P&WA who have at least 95% (and often 100%) of their posts in P&WA. How did they find this forum? Do they just go around the internet looking for forums to argue on? The whole P&WA thing was a side-affair for me when Evo kidnapped me and tossed me into this god forsaken place.

I mean... loving community full of devoted members :P
 
  • #12
I guess they're invited by their friends to this forum. If it would be true, that explains why most of people in P&WA are liberal! :wink:
On the other hand, they might come to this forum because of other sciences but unfortunately they've got stuck in P&WA.
 
  • #13
Blahness said:
Is it just me, or is that forum there mostly for our community to rag on the world?
Or is it just me? >_>

You mean that's not what political discussion is?
:uhh:
 
  • #14
The trouble with P&WA is that the most emotive topics will be discussed more often, simply because they are more emotive.

The one thing that seems to make P&WA descend into mayhem more often than not is certain members making ill-advised generalisations that others will find offensive, usually about republicans, democrats, liberals, conservatives, Americans, French and theists. Actually, scratch that - no-one complains about French-bashing. But saying things like "That's stupid liberals for you" is a red rag to a bleeding heart bull.

I think if that could be moderated, a substantial increase in quality would follow. It's just a matter of respect. When one person disses a second's posse, the second will diss the first's posse, then you have gang warfare. (Note to self: do not try and emulate what you think is the common parlance of your audience - you suck at it.)

On the other hand, we should really crack down on f--king limeys coming in here thinking they can tell Americans how to moderate. DON'T THEY KNOW THEY LOST THE WAR OF INDEPENDANCE?!? And they'd all be speaking German if it wasn't for etc.
 
  • #15
El Hombre Invisible said:
On the other hand, we should really crack down on f--king limeys coming in here thinking they can tell Americans how to moderate. DON'T THEY KNOW THEY LOST THE WAR OF INDEPENDANCE?!? And they'd all be speaking German if it wasn't for etc.

Are you trying to start the War of 1812 part II?... which i suppose would also be known as the War of 2005?
 
  • #16
Pengwuino said:
Are you trying to start the War of 1812 part II?... which i suppose would also be known as the War of 2005?
Merely a touch of self-deprecation to remove any air of pomposity that could have been observed in my post, I assure you. o:)
 
  • #17
Anyone want to invoke a "death penalty" for violations of posting guidelines in P&WA? "The line through the name" includes erasure of all posts --- and, said posts containing many pearls cast before swine and all other manner of gems of wisdom will not be resurrected at the end of three weeks or whatever the banning period happens to be. The idea being that members who want their ideas to be considered will behave while those who wish to "carpet bomb" the forum with rhetoric will be subject to a potentially infinite numer of "executions," and unable to leave permanent marks.
 
  • #18
Bystander said:
Anyone want to invoke a "death penalty" for violations of posting guidelines in P&WA? "The line through the name" includes erasure of all posts
If all posts are erased, how will we see the line through the name?
 
  • #19
Quotes, activity in other forums --- this is just for P&WA, mind.
 
  • #20
What I would like to see in the PaWA forum is the ability to post pictures. Many times I *need* to use a smilie not available in this forum to convey a specific meaning in a phrase, but can't because said smilie needs to be brought in in the form of a picture.

I really need a very wide variety of smilies.
 

What is the role of politics in world affairs?

Politics plays a crucial role in world affairs as it is the means through which countries interact and make decisions that affect the global community. It involves the exercise of power, negotiation, and diplomacy in addressing economic, social, and security issues on a global scale.

What are the major challenges in international relations?

The major challenges in international relations include conflicts between nations, economic inequalities, climate change, and human rights violations. These issues require cooperation and effective communication among countries to find solutions and maintain peace and stability.

How do international organizations impact world affairs?

International organizations, such as the United Nations, have a significant impact on world affairs as they provide a platform for countries to discuss and address global issues. They also play a role in promoting cooperation, conflict resolution, and human rights protection among member states.

What is the difference between domestic and international politics?

Domestic politics refers to the internal affairs of a country, while international politics involves the relationships and interactions between countries. Domestic politics focuses on issues within a nation, such as economy and social policies, while international politics deals with global issues like trade, security, and human rights.

How does globalization affect politics and world affairs?

Globalization has greatly impacted politics and world affairs by increasing interdependence among countries, allowing for the spread of ideas and culture, and creating economic and social networks. It has also led to challenges, such as economic inequalities and cultural clashes, which require political solutions on a global level.

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