I am relatively new to this forum. I have read many threads but replied to few. (only 3 I think, and what I've said hasn't been mindblowing in any way.) Tonight I went out with some people from work... they all know me as the "hippie" from work... whatever, I'm not so much into labels, but "hippie" doesn't bother me as it does a pretty good job of defining who I am and, generally, what I stand for. I work as a waitress in a family owned Greek restaurant... (It's been nice lately because since the Olympics have been going in on Greece they've brought in several extra TV's and, regardless of my views on the media and the primetime crap most Americans spend mindless hours viewing, the TVs have helped to fill the inevitable void between tables and refills and my needed services to the people who are paying way too much money for a meal, but who, nonetheless, are funding my masters degree when they leave their tips. ANYWAY... one of the sons is a manager of sorts. (I swear it's so political it's like working for the Greek mafia, but I'm in the "old man's" good graces, so it's all good for now... I guess...) This family is so FREAGIN REPUBLICAN, NARROW MINDED, BOMB-'EM-ALL HAPPY, and I usually bite my tongue and try not to get into any kind of religious or, Greater Power forbid, political debate. Tonight however was an exception. I don't even know how it started, but the before mentioned manager-son and I got into the debate-of-all-debates over war and politics... I CAN HOLD MY OWN WITH PEOPLE WHO WILL DEBATE FAIRLY!!!! He would twist my words and mock me saying I was living in a dream world for thinking that there was anyway peace could ever be an alternative to war... At one point he twisted my words so badly as to say that I was saying BinLaden was a peace keeper. MY POINT (it's coming soon, I promise) IS TWO FOLD: 1. HOW can you debate with a person who will not debate fairly?! I will not resort to bending what I feel to be the truth, personally betlittling the person with whom I am debating, or twisting (read: mutilating) someone elses words around to suit my own argument's purposes. But when it happens to me I get so FREAGIN frustrated that my tone, volume, and demeanor starts to mirror the person with whom I am debating and, even thought I still firmly believe what I'm saying, I feel like I'm losing and letting down people everywhere who share my views. 2. I was fired up and wanted to come here and post in the political section but couldn't. So much for free speech. Does anyone know why I couldn't post a reply to this: "But I know I am also setting them up for a life full of frustration, of unrealized dreams of peace and spiritual brotherhood, of rage against the neverending, blatant injustice that they will witness during their lives, and of being called "insane," "antiamerican," "hateful," and possibly even "terrorists." BECAUSE IT STATES SO PERFECTLY HOW I FEEL RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ****************************sorry for the tirade. Peace. Love. Keep the Faith. SingflowerCat
you cant post in the politics forum because you aint a member yet. get to 100 posts and then youll be able to. oh, and welcome p.s. i really didnt read much of your post, it was too damn long
I know... That's what the apology at the end was for... Venting at a very late hour when I should be in bed. Hee Hee. Peace
Your story sounds familiair, the Greek family could fit in the profile of my parents... So your not alone in this world where people are so not listening to their fellow human beings, it's driving me crazy!!! O yes, I almost forgot: welcome!
You can't, really. Trying to carry on a rational discussion with someone who is irrational is futile, as is trying to play fair with someone who refuses to follow the rules. I've reached the point where I will debate things only with persons that I believe are capable of benefiting from debate. I don't have to believe that I can get them to agree with me, but I do have to believe that they are capable of considering points of view that differ from their own.
Human nature I'm afraid. I've noticed that the thing that makes someone attack you is directly related to an insecurity a person has about themselves. He sounds like he has MANY insecurities, least of all his political views. You probably triggered his insecurities about his intelligence (ie lack thereof), which is why he's trying to make YOU look stupid - because he knows he is. So probably not worth debating with him about anything... particularly when viewed in light of the fact that he could turn everyone against you at work because he's in the family and you are not.
Things are fine at work... we hugged and made up... OF course I instigated it I tend to get overzealous when I'm passionate about something, and I've worked so hard on all my views that I'm sometimes fiercely protective of them!
Ive got this same problem on this board and on messenger...I'm working on that tho. If yall know me, go look at my latest post in "community service" thread, youll be fucking surprised....
