how we react to other peoples opinions

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 22:55:31 -0500

Something that I notice, especially on FB is that when someone has a different opinion then the popular opinion they get hammered and not with intelligent counter arguments, they get called names and threatened and insulted. This really bothers me, maybe my opinion on how we act in public is a bit romanticized, God knows i'm not near perfect and I've messed up also. Still, I feel like that as members of the military we're suppose to be an example of how to act toward others and each other, sort of like the romanticized image of a knight((not the real one mind you, the storybook one)). I feel when we go after each other in a derogatory way it tarnishes the image of the military and for me the Marines. Not just followers of pages and groups but the people who run them also. So much good is done in social media to help with PTSD and such things that happen to vets and sits so honorable but then to turn around and tell a vet "to F-off" because that vets opinion is different from the groups. I don't see where that's an alright way to act. Maybe my opinions on how it should be are a bit too perfect world.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 4 at 2014 11:25 PM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 04 Jan 2014 23:25:32 -0500

I agree 100%, I feel that you should treat someone the way you want to be treated and respected, it is called proper home training cut and dry.

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 5 at 2014 2:01 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:01:07 -0500

LCPL Lefler:

Respectfully, you bring up numerous valid points. The empathy and
grace, especially for a fellow veteran's we should be able to create a safe environment where that veteran can be heard.

Unfortunately, due to lack of communication and the inability to see another's view it takes patience to be able to connect to that individual and see where they are coming from.

I often step back when that happens, and I do not take it personal. I ask myself what is driving the reaction. Many times that person has pain that is over riding their judgment.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Jan 5 at 2014 2:13 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:13:12 -0500

LCpl Lefler - I agree with you 100%.  It is not possible to gather folks from across five services, veterans, retirees, civilians, different age groups, ranks, etc., and have everyone agree on everything.  That would make for some pretty boring conversations.  One thing that we all should be in agreement though, is the treatment of others and their opinions.  If you don't agree with something, it is too easy to keep scrolling down the page.  Replying respectfully and professionally should always be the goal.  Sometimes you have to take the "high road" and just back away from the table to ensure that you do not type something that you will regret after you hit enter. 

Response by CH (CPT) Heather Davis made Jan 5 at 2014 2:37 AM

CH (CPT) Heather Davis — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 02:37:55 -0500

End result competing is not communicating. I have learned the hard way you cannot chase a conversation. Those that label you do not have relational understanding.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2014 4:02 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 04:02:33 -0400

First thing is that the media is largely self-serving so it is no wonder I do not expect much from the press. Yeah it is always good to take the high road as you can get more bees with honey so we walk a fine line. Coming from the Vietnam-era I remember the media calling vets child-killers and the like, their belated praise is just a ruse to garner ratings.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 24 at 2014 9:26 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 09:26:20 -0400

This just popped up on the radar and it's interesting.

Opinion can just be another term for belief in some situations. A belief you cannot sway because it is rooted internally and has no dependence upon any fact. A belief (not necessarily opinion) is based in the same manner as faith - where you do not need to have any fact established to embrace it. Faith exists in each of us because we want it to or choose to
embrace it without a specific fact to bolster it. Whether we like it or not, a proven fact is undeniable. Much of what we are forced to deal with these days falls into the category of opinion or belief and has very little to no bearing on facts. That, in itself, is a utopia of sorts
because there is no fact for the discussion to establish in the first place.
Right wing, left wing, conservative, progressive, uber either side -- the spin
most often has nothing to do with a fact, but is solely rooted in a personal
opinion where it is unfortunately immune to factual persuasion.

It's more about belief -vs- fact. Some people think, and in many other
places express, individuals have entrenched belief's that, regardless of the facts presented by an opposing view, will not vary or venture away from their long held belief. That
belief has been embraced and engrained in their person and holds the position
of a fact absent the basis to back it. Evidence, facts, and truths are not the
same as conjecture, opinion, and thought. Everyone agrees that each is entitled
to have their opinion, but that opinion is only accurate for the person that
holds it.

Unfortunately politics & religion are just two of the subjects
that are little swayed with concrete facts because the emotional string that
attaches to a belief is not severed. Those that follow any thread of
philosophical thought mostly view it from their individual perspective,
irrespective of the facts at hand.

Response by MSgt David Mata made May 23 at 2014 1:34 PM

MSgt David Mata — Fri, 23 May 2014 13:34:35 -0400

Politics and Religion do not belong at the workplace. The influence of Rank, or perception thereof, can be abused. Every single individual's life experiences molds his or her's thought process. We are so vast and different as a Military that the things we have in common are often overlooked at the expense of Diversity. We all raised our right hand; that has to account for something.