Posted by Dinah on July 23, 2010, at 9:54:42
In reply to Re: argument, posted by chujoe on July 23, 2010, at 7:42:36
See?
You were perfectly civil.
You pointed out that my statement was, in your opinion, incorrect. You provided facts to back up your position.
You didn't call my statement idiotic.
I never have any problem whatsoever in making whatever point I wish to make. Well, I suppose there are times that I wish to call someone names and then I have to restrain myself and say it all to my civility buddy instead. But what would it help if I did do that? Or if I called their post a bunch of drivel? Would it really add to the discourse? Overall I find it more helpful to think a moment and find another way of saying something if I wish to say it.
I can and do point out if I think something is factually incorrect. Although I may personally may be more likely to say something like "I had always read that xxx..." or "Didn't that study refer to yyyy...." or "That's not how I see that." rather than "That statement is incorrect." But that's a matter of style and I do that in real life too. Either way is civil, I think.
I can and do get angry or hurt at things people say too, and I have no trouble saying I'm hurt or angry, or posting with a hurt or angry tone. I'm conveying my emotions in those cases. And depending on circumstances, emotions can be totally legitimate arguments at times.
If something is posted that I think is morally wrong, like negatively characterizing a group of people, I contact the Administration. It may take some time and sometimes some argument with Dr. Bob, but that sort of thing isn't allowed on Babble. However, I don't have the power to stop it, and any attempt I make will likely draw forth more of the same. Or so I've found, at least. It becomes an argument, and arguments bring forth more rhetoric. If I feel compelled to say anything I could always say "I've never found (group X) to be yyyy, and I don't know why you'd say that." Of course that mainly leads to an explanation of exactly why the poster says that and perhaps even a catalog of other beliefs. Dr. Bob does have the power to stop it before it degenerates into what I sadly see on my newspaper's online comment pages. Boy, that can get nasty. Which is strange because New Orleans is a quite civil city in person.
Honestly, you seem smart enough and good enough with words to manage to say what you wish without running afoul of the civility rules. And polite enough not to call people's statements idiotic even if you think they are wrong - at least in the common course of events.
As you just proved. :)
poster:Dinah
thread:955458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20100714/msgs/955592.html