Respectful Debate…,where’s it gone?

Oh Maw I long for those days back

I too have found GN much more polarised and aggressively confrontational.
I joined 13 (?) years ago and can remember some lively debates but they were friendly and often filled with humour. Saturday nights would ofen become quite surreal and hilarious. Virtual Hallowe’en parties! The Argy typified the humour which abounded. - from silly “odes” to Phoenix’s “cursing the gammon”. Genuine friendship and sympathy was rarely if ever blighted by judgementalism (if there is such a word) and reports and deletions were few and far between
If you think I am remembering through rose tinted glasses, use the search function (desk top) and look at some of the threads from those days.

I don't mind a decent debate, but there are always some who take it a step too far. I now find myself also bowing out when things get to that stage, although sometimes I do find it hard.
On a separate, but perhaps related note, I have noticed a couple of regular and frequent posters have 'gone missing' as of late. Maybe I've missed something (we have been away in our motorhome quite a bit recently), but I'm wondering if something happened to make them leave?

Cossy I hope this thread doesn’t deteriorate like previous ones on this subject 🤞🏻

Perhaps GN is mirroring the rage and frustration which appears to be raising its ugly head worldwide. Along with a sprinkling of anxiety over the wars in the world and fear of them escalating.

On any forum you always get a few who enjoy having a safe, anonymous go at other people. Not to mention the highly opinionated who never seem to shut up about the same old topic.
Personally I just avoid them when possible, or ignore.

As with most debates it is whoever shouts loudest that takes over, putting others down and dismissing other opinions.
With usually one other poster trying to argue their point despite it being obvious that they are arguing with a brick wall.
I try to bow out before this point when things are not yet so polarised.

N & P is the forum that bets most going people going. The regulars generally have strong and sincere views. This is important because politics affects our lives.

Those GNers who post regularly about politics and may be quite forceful with their opinions are usually very kind and considerate on the other fora.

So, if you do like the strong opinions expressed on N & P it would probably be better to steer clear of it.

I cant say I have noticed , personally.

But I largely stay away from News and Politics lately, so maybe it is happening on there.

Also, on threads where there is only 1 dissenting voice, or maybe just 2, I now steer clear.
I may read a bit, but try not to join in or take any bait.
My life is too short.
I just dont see the point.
And I wish to remain happy.

Something I think I've noticed, when its a very polarising subject (transwomen's rights, Israel v Palestine two recent examples) , the thread starts with opinions of all kinds but by the end, a majority position emerges & thread dwindles out with no-one or just one embattled poster daring to oppose that view because of the scorn & hostility that sticking their head above the parapet unleashes.I believe everyone's opinions are valid even on these topics.When you really care & are powerless to change something though, I suppose it's just frustration that makes the posts sound aggressive.

Thanks Cossy, I share your concerns about the changes I see on this forum. The election seems to have contributed, along with immigration.
Polarised debate, often with complete disregard for facts, occurs very quickly especially on news and politics. It seems very either / or. If posters aren’t furious about ‘stop the boats’ and try to debate the genuine issues behind this, they/we are accused of naivety, wanting to open the borders, not caring about the world we leave our grandchildren.
I’ve come very close to just closing whatever it is I did to join recently

I think we have just about managed to agree to disagree on another thread tonight cossy. So surely there is hope

I'd rather try to "Address the post, not the poster".

Oreo

Neither would I Cossy
You may like to adopt my new Welsh sounding IDGTH ( I don’t give two hoots)😁

Thank you and I will

Neither would I Cossy
You may like to adopt my new Welsh sounding IDGTH ( I don’t give two hoots)😁

Oreo

I think that threads like this rarely go well.Just sayin’🤔

🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m not bothered. That’s the joy of democracy and debate! I simply don’t care what anyone else thinks, this is an issue here imo, I also would never be as vitriolic and unpleasant as some folk wish to be.

I think that threads like this rarely go well.Just sayin’🤔

Respectful debate has probably gone with racism.

I agree and I'm sure the majority of Gransnetters would far rather have a balanced debate but if it gets a bit "lively" I think that's only to be expected with certain subjects. However, there have been a few thoroughly unpleasant comments lately such as calling a female politician a "tart" which is a great pity.