Why are we so divisive?

2015-06-04T20:29:15-04:00

I've noticed that a lot of RP discussions are based on divisive topics. Why are we so intent on conflict within our own ranks?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 4 at 2015 8:36 PM

2015-06-04T20:36:53-04:00

There are a lot of hot topic issues out there LCDR Private RallyPoint Member. I think a lot of people want their opinions to be heard. Can't blame them. Unfortunately this leads to some heated discussions. If done respectfully, a lot can come from it. If you try to stand on a soap box and only push your personal agenda/views or fail to acknowledge the opinions of others then, yes that brings on a lot of conflict.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 4 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-06-04T20:39:13-04:00

Topics that create thought tend to be divisive, whereas those that aren't or have minimal impact tend to just be passed over, and "go quietly into the night."

Basically, we just notice the divisive ones more, because they are a lot more interesting because of the depth and width of opinions.

It's sort of counter-intuitive. You notice the things that bug you, rather than the everything being perfectly in place.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-06-04T20:50:07-04:00

The military is drawn from society (of course) and right now society as a whole is going through a really cantankerous, partisan period. It's unfortunate; in a way we're all "taking the bait" in ways large and small.

It doesn't help that a lot of the media outlets, in a quest for rating and "buzz", are purposefully framing debate topics in a way to generate outrage beyond sensible parameters.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 4 at 2015 8:50 PM

2015-06-04T20:50:15-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member I think it's a matter of the pursuit of understanding rather than an intent to harm. Conflict is discussed because it exists, people think differently and have an inate, biological hatred for those who are different. Ignorance is bliss, but in order to understand how other people tick you need to lay all the cards on the table so they can be discussed in an adult, controlled manner. It doesn't help that some people feel offended when no offense was meant. Arguing Politics and Religion can also be very fun and rewarding by its very nature, despite the outcomes of a conversation.

To quote Yogi Berra, "If life were perfect, it wouldn't be."

Response by SGT Darryl Allen made Jun 4 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-06-04T20:54:34-04:00

Conflict breeds conversation which causes people to think and consider points that they may not have thought about previously. I'm not in the business of converting people to my idea of what's right, but I'm certainly in the business of interjecting my thoughts into a topic that I feel strongly about. I mean, I'd find it really boring if we have a bunch of threads where someone posted an article and you just got a bunch of "Hooahs" (or hooyah /oorah/et. al) and nobody had to use their brains.

I think it's important to see what other people think about a topic because you might just become a little more educated because of it.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 4 at 2015 8:55 PM

2015-06-04T20:55:49-04:00

I'm not a huge proponent of gun carry. A lot of times 2A discussions can get heated. Today I had a great conversation on the topic in the post below. The discussion was meaningful, educational and friendly and all involved respected each other's opinions. No feathers raised, no egos bruised and no grandstanding. it can be done.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/vince-vaughn-and-the-2nd-amendment-what-are-your-thoughts?page=2&urlhash=723036#723036

Vince Vaughn and the 2nd Amendment! What are your thoughts? | RallyPoint

“I support people having a gun in public full stop, not just in your home. We don’t have the right to bear arms because of burglars; we have the right to bear arms to resist the supreme power of a corrupt and abusive government. It’s not about duck hunting; it’s about the ability of the individual. It’s the same reason we have freedom of speech. It’s well known that the greatest defence against an intruder is the sound of a gun hammer being...

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jun 4 at 2015 9:03 PM

2015-06-04T21:03:28-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member, outside of religion and politics, I don't think the topics themselves are divisive as much as how strongly some folks respond to a topic. Even some of the most benign topics have gotten heated based on a few individuals strongly worded responses.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 4 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-06-04T21:07:35-04:00

I don't know if its intentional, some topics are more hot beds then others. I think on RP at least we more or less keep it civil which is great. Some of the topics we debate, I would never dare give my opinion on in other military group forums. RP really is the only place I can debate and such and feel like I'm not going to singled out and ridiculed for what I think. I think there is really only one person on RP that, put politics aside I wouldn't have a beer with and I'd buy.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 5 at 2015 12:33 AM

2015-06-05T00:33:02-04:00

Because talking about the weather is boring.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jun 5 at 2015 12:35 AM

2015-06-05T00:35:51-04:00

My grandfather once interrupted Thanksgiving dinner: He had to lay down the house rules. "We will not discuss women, politics, nor religion!" When I reflect on the divisive nature of some RP discussions, these are exactly the focal points.

At the end of the day, we all want to be heard. And as leaders, we want to be right. Facts are difficult to attack. Opinions, however...