This is topic Silence is not consent. in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.


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Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
 
Personal not-really-a-rant-but-more-of-an-offloading-of-personal-baggage-and-explanation-of-actions.

There have been times in the past (including the not-so-distant) where people felt that nobody disagreed with them because nobody spoke up in agreement. I just want to say publicly that my silence on many issues implies neither agreement nor disagreement with either side. It's usually a manifestation of my desire not to waste my time in a fruitless argument.

When I say a fruitless argument, I do not mean an unimportant one. I merely mean that I often don't feel my contribution to a thread will help bring people to unity on the topic (much less unanimity). Frequently, my views will be encapsulated by portions of the posts of many others (usually I fail to find a single person who agrees with me completely), and I'm rarely of the opinion that the majority belief is the correct one, so I don't find it necessary to be included in any tallies. Except when it comes to how awesome Ralphie is, in which case I will always wish to stand up and be counted.

I'm not silent on every topic, and occasionally I say things that are not what many refer to as "fluff," Slash's preferred definition notwithstanding. But I've arrived at the realization that there are a couple topics -- longstanding Hatrack traditions, mostly -- where I've pretty much decided to remain silent. My plan is for that to continue on those issues, though I know occasionally the temptation will be too much and I'll step forward.

Part of the reason is that I despair of anyone changing, which often makes conversation useless. And I'm not talking about changing one's stance on the issue, but even changing one's understanding of it, and especially one's understanding of the opposing viewpoint. There are many members here who already have a pretty good idea of the opposing viewpoint, have already got their ducks in a row when it comes to confronting that opposition, and so the conversation often seems scripted. I'm tired of the reruns, but I now feel it necessary to follow every thread, just to keep up on major Hatrack happenings on pages 6 and 7 of these threads. Also, there is occasionally something new, and those things I also hate to miss.

This is not to sell any Hatrackers short. There are many Hatrackers whose honest desire is to understand opposing viewpoints, not for the sake of refuting them through the preparation of a solid defense, but for the sole purpose of understanding. And there are many people who fall into different categories depending on the topic.

I believe there is absolute truth. I don't believe I know it yet. I'm firm in many of my beliefs, yet realize they could change given future information. I know there are some of my beliefs that will not change, and aside from explaining my point of view on those when asked, I'm really not interested in whether or not others agree. I believe that anyone whose answer on a philosophical topic doesn't include questions has more thinking to do. I believe there's a forest growing in my eyes, but that doesn't mean another person wouldn't benefit from the removal of a speck from his own. And I know that when I was a five-year-old, I went to the emergency room because of something in my eye (small metal shard, it turned out), and I was scared to death of having a doctor removing it, but I also know now that I am better off for it having been removed.

Anyone who doesn't reply to this, I'll just assume you agree with me.

--Pop

[Edit -- left out important word the made one sentence mean the opposite of what I intended.]

[ September 09, 2003, 06:33 PM: Message edited by: Papa Moose ]
 

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Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
 
*writes whole Moose family on Cloning List*
 

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Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
 
Sometimes I'll start to write an arguement, but think better of it, because I know that there is no one argument that answers whatever the controversy at this point in time. Usually, I stay silent, just like you, unwilling to get involved in something that is, as you say, fruitless.
 

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Posted by Petra'sDaughter (Member # 5539) on :
 
Arguing for argument's sake is fruitless. I do believe that there are people who enjoy contention and have no desire to actually consider opposing viewpoints. Everyone looks at the world through "me"-colored glasses--our opinions are shaped through our own unique set of experiences. I once learned that 100 percent communication is impossible, because a person's interpretation of events is always colored by their own, unique experience. You know the 3 sides to every story bit...

Anyway, having said that, (in a very confusing and muddled way) I believe that when the topic is important enough, we NEED to express our views. Controversial laws are passed because people stay silent...and in this case it does imply consent. So, while I don't like to get confrontational, sometimes the sqeaky wheel does get the grease.
 

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Posted by T. Analog Kid (Member # 381) on :
 
I try to avoid posting too much in those kinds of things, but there are sometimes statements I can't let go unopposed. I try, once having said my piece on those subjects, to shut up.

I am not always successful.
 

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Posted by Geoffrey Card (Member # 1062) on :
 
I do a similar thing sometimes, Pop ... when an argument starts out promising, but then becomes fruitless and stupid, I sometimes just cut out and quit participating. Sometimes, I worry that this will be perceived as backing down, but that risk is often worth the relief of getting out of an obnoxious situation.

It's also well worth it to avoid the double-obnoxious "I'm leaving this thread because my feelings are hurt and you're all horrible people!" post

[ September 09, 2003, 08:03 PM: Message edited by: Geoffrey Card ]
 

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Posted by Leto II (Member # 2659) on :
 

quote:

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topic: Silence is not consent.

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