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I think the challenge with many "taboo" topics is that if they're put positively, they can actually enhance the quality and sense of community of BYC. For instance, someone is going through hard times and ask for prayers -- and a bunch of members respond. That's religion, but it's a positive affirmation and sign of sympathy -- so obviously we shouldn't get up in arms about it. Why, when religion has so much positive impact on people, do discussions about it tend to quickly devolve?
Similarly, I wish people could discuss politics without so much rancor. There were some really positive comments after the election--comments from citizens of other countries congratulating the U.S.--but also a lot of edited and deleted posts. I found it sad that people couldn't seem to come together over the election of the first black president of the US. Whether or not you voted for him, it's still a momentous occasion, isn't it? Just as, regardless of your views, the election of the first female VP would have been momentous. Is the positive message of "congratulations" really offensive to some people? (I was rooting for the Cardinals yesterday, but I was happy to congratulate Steelers fans, and was really impressed that the coach was the youngest ever to win the Super Bowl.)
I guess the thing that I find frustrating when it comes to topics like religion and politics is that people tend to think in terms of black and white, instead of shades of grey. On here there are vegans who raise chickens, conservatives who are deeply committed to sustainability and the environment, liberals who homestead out in the country and process their own meat -- the point being, a lot of complex people who don't just fall into easily definable categories. We all enjoy chickens, why can't we all just get along?
That said, I haven't felt the need to hit the "report" button yet... but maybe I'm missing all of the extremely controversial threads? Or I'm too slow, and the mods beat me to it?
Thanks mods for making this a positive environment... and for being the ones to make those tough censorship decisions, I'm sure it isn't easy!!
I think the challenge with many "taboo" topics is that if they're put positively, they can actually enhance the quality and sense of community of BYC. For instance, someone is going through hard times and ask for prayers -- and a bunch of members respond. That's religion, but it's a positive affirmation and sign of sympathy -- so obviously we shouldn't get up in arms about it. Why, when religion has so much positive impact on people, do discussions about it tend to quickly devolve?
Similarly, I wish people could discuss politics without so much rancor. There were some really positive comments after the election--comments from citizens of other countries congratulating the U.S.--but also a lot of edited and deleted posts. I found it sad that people couldn't seem to come together over the election of the first black president of the US. Whether or not you voted for him, it's still a momentous occasion, isn't it? Just as, regardless of your views, the election of the first female VP would have been momentous. Is the positive message of "congratulations" really offensive to some people? (I was rooting for the Cardinals yesterday, but I was happy to congratulate Steelers fans, and was really impressed that the coach was the youngest ever to win the Super Bowl.)
I guess the thing that I find frustrating when it comes to topics like religion and politics is that people tend to think in terms of black and white, instead of shades of grey. On here there are vegans who raise chickens, conservatives who are deeply committed to sustainability and the environment, liberals who homestead out in the country and process their own meat -- the point being, a lot of complex people who don't just fall into easily definable categories. We all enjoy chickens, why can't we all just get along?
That said, I haven't felt the need to hit the "report" button yet... but maybe I'm missing all of the extremely controversial threads? Or I'm too slow, and the mods beat me to it?
Thanks mods for making this a positive environment... and for being the ones to make those tough censorship decisions, I'm sure it isn't easy!!
