Dumb ass suppositions about how other people think

[Opti]

I know I really don't belong on this board. I don't follow politics like a rabid dog looking for the next thing to talk or worry about.



I am concerned though of people feeling a deep seated need to suppose what drives other people when it seems obvious to me they are not fully aware of what drives them.


I self identify as liberal but little what conservatives posit liberals think like applies to me. I've learned that what people say has more to do about them then whatever they think they are really talking about. Life is too short to be in a rage or even look for things to be mad about. But that's me. To me being liberal is being concerned for the welfare of others and not just for myself. I think there should be a safety net and think the abuses of the system should be corrected instead of the system being abolished entirely.

People can do the same thing, i.e. buy a Prius for different reasons
and just knowing someone ones a Prius doesn't mean they are a showoff environmentalist. I think they are sinfully ugly and look uncomfortable, but if that changed I might consider them even though I don't like how people choose to see them. I remember when I used to eat well, less processed, more organic foods and a few co-workers actually thought I was showing off or something silly.
Wasn't true. But that did give me valuable information on how they think. I could say I wonder what drives people to make fun of whole categories of people but that wouldn't be entirely true. I already know. People who are generally happy with themselves and prefer to be empowered about fixing the world's problems and their own don't waste time on dissing others. Likewise, misery likes to create company especially if it can pretend the other is a lower life form.

[Angel!]

Very nice post!

I agree that most of the time on this board when someone starts explaining how the opposition thinks or feels, they really don't have a clue. Instead they are mostly announcing how uneducated they are on the opposition's position, which causes them to lose credibility.

It is interesting to me that many people don't seem to even understand the things that they are most vehemently opposed to.

[chiver78]

very well said, and I'm in pretty close to the same spot.

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

I agree that most of the time on this board when someone starts explaining how the opposition thinks or feels, they really don't have a clue. Instead they are mostly announcing how uneducated they are on the opposition's position, which causes them to lose credibility.

This would apply directly to the imbeciles on these forums who think opposition to the pres is racism.

[Deleted]

This board is this way because it is politics. When I posted on social boards like EE everybody pretty much got along except for trolls, etc, until the '08 elections, then it all went bad. It's the nature of politics, I guess. And saying we should all rise above it, when looking at the antics of our politicians.... well, it is what it is. Except in certain cases where I sense a deep hatred toward me personally, I try not to take things too personally on the boards. Politics is by nature divisive. Aside from some name calling this board is pretty much like other politics boards.
Good luck.

[Angel!]

May 25, 2011 12:26:07 GMT -5 Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ said:

I agree that most of the time on this board when someone starts explaining how the opposition thinks or feels, they really don't have a clue. Instead they are mostly announcing how uneducated they are on the opposition's position, which causes them to lose credibility.

This would apply directly to the imbeciles on these forums who think opposition to the pres is racism.

I agree. I would never say that this behavior is limited to just the right or the left. Stupid people exist on both sides.

[moon/Laura]

it's the sweeping generalization problem.. if one democrat/republican/liberal believes "xyz", then by golly, ALL of them must.

if one person of a particular race/religion is bad, then ALL of them are..


i will grant you there are cases where the number of bad is high.. but that doesn't mean *every*single*one* is... but it's so much easier to do the blanket hate thing.

[ed1066]

When I saw the thread title, I thought this was a condemnation of liberal policies, which are based on suppositions about how other people should think ("hate speech" laws, fairness doctrine), eat (no trans fats, school lunches, Michelle Obama), drink (no soda in schools), drive (cap & trade tax, EPA restrictions that penalize truckers), and live (Obamacare, wealth redistribution, "tax the rich", etc.)...

[marshabar1]

There's a difference between discussing politics and chatting personally about personal things. Many who supposedly discuss current events and politics actually only talk about fellow members. That isn't political discussion as far as I'm concerned. When I talk about liberals or Democrats, I'm not talking about "you." I'm talking about the general qualities of that population as represented by their policies, their written opinions, and their actions.

[Angel!]

May 25, 2011 12:37:53 GMT -5 @ed1066 said:

When I saw the thread title, I thought this was a condemnation of liberal policies, which are based on suppositions about how other people should think ("hate speech" laws, fairness doctrine), eat (no trans fats, school lunches, Michelle Obama), drink (no soda in schools), drive (cap & trade tax, EPA restrictions that penalize truckers), and live (Obamacare, wealth redistribution)...

Yes, because conservatives don't try to control anything.

You have provided yet another glaring example about how people tend to be unable to view things without prejudice. "My side is so good & they are so bad"

[reasonfreedom]

Nice post Optim, being concerned for the welfare of other and not just oneself is called humane or good( liberal really has nothing to do with it). There are plenty of selfish liberals and conservatives out in the world. Now the difference between reason and lunacy for your so called liberal definition is good people that think like you and liberal politicians. When it comes down to the line most likely only 5% of the people are truly selfless.

[Deleted]

I don't see the name calling here as necessary. People have the right to their opinions. I'm not 100% conservative, and I will post openly on my not conservative beliefs just as quickly as my conservative beliefs.
Seems to me the division comes as a matter of personal priorities when choosing sides. Someone could say they are liberal because they want to help others as a priority. I could say I am conservative because I value self reliance and freedom when ever possible before begging others for help, and that is more important to me than, say... social issues of marriage, etc..
Just a different perspective. WAY different. I form those opinions by SEEING generations of what has happened as we try to "help" more and more people, and they gladly stop helping themselves, and even actively work against the best interests of the USA. Differences in perception. There is no universal truth that will ever be agreed on by all.

[mmhmm]

Agreed, Optimist and Chiver. I'm rather apolitical and a moderate when it comes time to vote, but it's not the be-all end-all of my life. It's not something I concentrate on most of the time, and I'm not looking for every little thing I might criticize in a politician, or anyone else, for that matter. It gets old, as far as I'm concerned, and it does absolutely no good for anyone, or anything.

[Opti]

Marsha, the thing I do when I post on here is I prefer to confine myself to what I think. I'm against most generalizations as they are rarely accurate and usually stifle solutions instead of create dialogue to craft solutions the majority can live with.

There are extremeists and wack doodles of every stripe but I don't see why we can't mostly ignore them and find ways to solve problems. The thing is when you or someone else makes a sweeping generalization of how liberals think and none to one of us self identified liberals agrees with your statement it kind of makes sense that we would feel your generalization was false.
I wish there was more true discussion here so perhaps we could come us with workable solutions to get our legislators to implement instead spreading more fear and discord. Perhaps I am in the minority. I think there is far too much fear and discord in the world and I'd like to see less of it.

[❤ mollymouser ❤]

Great topic, Optimist.

[Deleted]

I know of a liberal message board that is VERY active. A conservative I know was permabanned there after 2 posts. No disagreement allowed.
;D

[Angel!]

May 25, 2011 12:59:13 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Yeah, but their side is stupideeer. ;D

[swamp]

May 25, 2011 13:07:34 GMT -5 @krickitt said:

I know of a liberal message board that is VERY active. A conservative I know was permabanned there after 2 posts. No disagreement allowed.
;D

A liberal circle jerk is as abhorrent as a conservative circle jerk.

[marshabar1]

May 25, 2011 13:07:34 GMT -5 @krickitt said:

I know of a liberal message board that is VERY active. A conservative I know was permabanned there after 2 posts. No disagreement allowed.
;D

Please take a look at the rules for posting at Democratic Underground. Pretty fascistically hilarious! ;D

Rules Discussion Forum Rules

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Last updated November 7, 2005.

1. This is a moderated discussion forum with rules. We have a team of volunteer moderators who delete posts and ban disruptors. Members are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with our rules, and make an effort to become a positive member of our community. Those who do not risk having their posts deleted or their posting privileges revoked.

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www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=register

For a good time be sure to visit the link and click here and here. ;D

And if you don't subscribe to leftist group think don't even dream of joining.

[Opti]

May 25, 2011 15:12:09 GMT -5 @marshabar1 said:

May 25, 2011 13:07:34 GMT -5 @krickitt said:

I know of a liberal message board that is VERY active. A conservative I know was permabanned there after 2 posts. No disagreement allowed.
;D

Please take a look at the rules for posting at Democratic Underground. Pretty fascistically hilarious! ;D

Rules Discussion Forum Rules

These are the basic rules. For a detailed explanation of how we enforce these rules, please click here.

Last updated November 7, 2005.

1. This is a moderated discussion forum with rules. We have a team of volunteer moderators who delete posts and ban disruptors. Members are strongly urged to familiarize themselves with our rules, and make an effort to become a positive member of our community. Those who do not risk having their posts deleted or their posting privileges revoked.

2. Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

3. Civility: Treat other members with respect. Do not post personal attacks against other members of this discussion forum.

4. Content: Do not post messages that are inflammatory, extreme, divisive, incoherent, or otherwise inappropriate. Do not engage in anti-social, disruptive, or trolling behavior. Do not post broad-brush, bigoted statements. The moderators and administrators work very hard to enforce some minimal standards regarding what content is appropriate. But please remember that this is a large and diverse community that includes a broad range of opinion. People who are easily offended, or who are not accustomed to having their opinions (including deeply held personal convictions) challenged may not feel entirely comfortable here. A thick skin is necessary to participate on this or any other discussion forum.

5. Copyrights: Do not copy-and-paste entire articles onto this discussion forum. When referencing copyrighted work, post a short excerpt (not exceeding 4 paragraphs) with a link back to the original.

6. Forum Administration: Respect the moderators and administrators, and respect their decisions. You can help make their job easier by clicking the "Alert" link on any post that might need moderator attention. Please understand that moderating errors and inconsistencies are inevitable on a large website like this. If you have a question about DU policies, or if you have a concern about an action a moderator has taken, please contact an admin privately.

7. More Information: For a detailed explanation of how we enforce these rules, please click here.


www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=register

For a good time be sure to visit the link and click here and here. ;D

And if you don't subscribe to leftist group think don't even dream of joining.

Didn't PBP share that he's a member of a conservative only posting board? I bet most one sided posting places are similar to the above.

[mmhmm]

There are a lot of "specialty" forums on the internet. There are forums aimed at specific professions, special interests (including hobbies), political parties, religious convictions ... all sorts of things. This is certainly nothing new, and all of them operate in a similar manner.

[Politically_Incorrect12]

I'm conservative because I care about the general welfare of people and have faith in their ability to succeed. I'm not saying the government doesn't have it's place, but it should not be the first thing that people want to step in because all that does is develop a dependence.

[marshabar1]

Did you look at the click here's?? It reminds me of being in progressive bastion Oregon. Pull into a rest stop. There's a sign telling you how to park, one telling you to leash your pet, one telling you where to poop your pet, one telling you you can't stay, one telling you about litter. All the signs have law numbers in case you don't believe it. Then you go to the restroom. There are several signs on the outside of the door telling you . . . Oh never mind. Here's the regs and there are signs for all of them. ;D

Rest Area Regulations

As described in Oregon Administrative Rule 734-030-0010, to preserve state property and increase health and safety in rest areas, the following activities are prohibited by visitors to rest areas:

1. Lighting a fire
2. Picking, removing, or damaging plant life or forest products
3. Hunting, trapping, or injuring birds or animals.
4. Discharging a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon
5. Discharging fireworks, explosives, or other similar devices
6. Mutilating, defacing, damaging or removing any property, structure or facility
7. Digging up, defacing, or removing any dirt, stone, rock, or other natural substance
8. Operating a concession or selling merchandise, food, or services, except for a permitted "free coffee" service, or vending machines under an agreement with the Department of Transportation or Travel Information Council
9. Blocking access to the restroom
10. Smoking or carrying a lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other smoking implement, in a restroom building or within 20 feet of a restroom building
11. Operating a motor vehicle in any area not intended for motor vehicles
12. Parking a motor vehicle outside the designated parking area or parking in violation of any posted parking regulation
13. Allowing a pet to run loose. Allowing a pet on a leash, except a guide animal, in any area except designated pet areas. Allowing a pet, except a guide animal, in any building.
14. Allowing livestock to run at large or to be in any area except in designated pet or livestock areas
15. Placing a poster, flyer, sign or other marker in or on any utility pole, sign post, building or other facility in a rest area
16. Depositing garbage, recyclables, or refuse of any kind except in designated containers
17. Dumping, spilling or allowing to leak any sewage, waste water, or other substance from the vehicle
18. Using a restroom to bathe or wash clothing, dishes or other materials
19. Setting up a tent or other structure, camping, or remaining in a rest area for more than 12 hours within any 24-hour period
20. Participating in a disturbance or riotous or other behavior which interferes with the reasonable use of the rest area by other visitors
21. Obstructing, harassing or interfering with a Department of Transportation or Travel Information Council employee or Rest Area Attendant in the performance of their duties
22. Creating noise by any means which interferes with the reasonable use of the rest area by other visitors

Failure to comply with rest area regulations governing health and safety in a rest area may result in a Class B violation. Upon receipt of a citation the person must leave the rest area immediately.

Liberals have a tendency to be fascists, that's all I'm saying. Nothing personal.

[b2r]

Libtalker Ed Schultz: Laura Ingraham's 'A Slut'

[Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ]

Liberals have a tendency to be fascists, that's all I'm saying. Nothing personal.

What would one expect from a largely ignorant population, mostly educated in govt run schools.

[marshabar1]

Oh and there are signs on the inside of the door and on the inside of the stall door and above the sink also. About hand washing and wiping and touching . . .

Just sayin. . .

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Dumping, spilling or allowing to leak any sewage, waste water, or other substance from the vehicle

But but the shitter is full!

[Angel!]

May 25, 2011 15:41:28 GMT -5 Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ said:

Liberals have a tendency to be fascists, that's all I'm saying. Nothing personal.

What would one expect from a largely ignorant population, mostly educated in govt run schools.

I think SF is just trolling now....

[marshabar1]

May 25, 2011 15:46:20 GMT -5 Angel! said:

May 25, 2011 15:41:28 GMT -5 Savoir Faire-Demogague in NJ said:

Liberals have a tendency to be fascists, that's all I'm saying. Nothing personal.

What would one expect from a largely ignorant population, mostly educated in govt run schools.

I think SF is just trolling now....

Why would you say that? The discussion is about preconceived notions about people based on political affiliation. I'm saying that the actions of the political groups are the basis for the so-called preconceptions. If it walks like a duck . . .

SF is saying the adherence to a particular political ideology is based on bad education in schools that have too much interference from government. Of the left variety, by the way.

Seems like a perfectly valid point to me.

Why is that trolling?

[Angel!]

May 25, 2011 15:53:09 GMT -5 @marshabar1 said:

May 25, 2011 15:46:20 GMT -5 Angel! said:

I think SF is just trolling now....

Why would you say that? The discussion is about preconceived notions about people based on political affiliation. I'm saying that the actions of the political groups are the basis for the so-called preconceptions. If it walks like a duck . . .

SF is saying the adherence to a particular political ideology is based on bad education in schools that have too much interference from government. Of the left variety, by the way.

Seems like a perfectly valid point to me.

Why is that trolling?

Calling half the population ignorant & indoctrinated pretty much goes with the entire subject of this thread - making false assumptions about an entire group based on your own personal bias.

I am assuming he is trolling because I don't generally think of SF as so stupid to think that all liberals are ignorant. But maybe I give SF too much credit.