I usually remind myself that no ones' opinion gets changed on a message board, so it's not worth the drama. In real life I am pretty good about speaking up if the potential for cordial discourse exists.
I always wish I had flashy comebacks though. I think of them a day later.
My opinion of the day is that not all gun owners are unhinged murderous whackjobs. I know some people who think that, unequivocally and without exception, anyone except law enforcement who owns a gun must be irrational, stupid, and mentally unstable, regardless of the reason the gun is owned, safety precautions taken, etc.
I don't own a gun and don't plan to. I also recognize the dangers and the horrible accidents that have occurred due to people's negligence and stupidity. But still they are not all like that!
I've learned my lesson about keeping my opinion to myself when it's different from the majority of the board. Especially in hot button issues. I don't even open the threads. Not worth it.
@moonbeam I believe there are several people on WC that share your opinion. I'm not sure if this board as a whole leans conservative or liberal. I'm curious now. Poll time!
I usually remind myself that no ones' opinion gets changed on a message board, so it's not worth the drama. In real life I am pretty good about speaking up if the potential for cordial discourse exists.
I always wish I had flashy comebacks though. I think of them a day later.
It can happen. It happened to me. It didn't happen in an instant, but it happened, and it was the catalyst behind a complete shift in worldview that led to a major life event. I spent a few years arguing for a specific ideology, a very strict one, and one day a friend, one with opposing views to my own, shared something with me that I had brushed off many times before. However, at that time, in that moment, I decided to give it real (as opposed to "Eh, it doesn't agree with my ideology, so no thanks.") consideration. I went from being very anti-same-sex marriage to pro and that led to a change in many other areas.
Something similar happened some years ago, an individual I debated against regularly sent me a message explaining a similar transition and how my journey and our back and forth made her realize how she really felt about her beliefs, and having a change of heart. It is possible for people, the things they share and reveal, etc., to really impact others and influence their beliefs and attitudes. It's never instant, but minds are rarely changed in an instant.
@moonbeam I believe there are several people on WC that share your opinion. I'm not sure if this board as a whole leans conservative or liberal. I'm curious now. Poll time!
This board definitely leans more conservative.
I agree with you @moonbeam. Responsible gun owner over here.
I have responded to controversial posts in the past and regretted it. I don't have the tatas apparently to deal with the backlash. I have had some snappy comebacks from time to time....but can't deal with flaming.