Why can't Yeas and Nays Co-Exist?

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Originally posted by prophetsteve


Tolerance isn't about not challenging or questioning. Tolerance is saying "I don't agree with you... but thats okay" as opposed to Intolerance which says "I don't agree with you... and since you don't agree with me you obviously are an stupid idiot, a munchkin, and have no idea what is good anyway".

You can have a lively debate with someone, exchanging viewpoints, engaging in debates, and even questioning someones beliefs in a tolerant fashion.

I wonder how much of political correctness of todays age has twisted the meaning to tolerance.

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IMHO, I would dare say quite a bit.

PC has changed the idea of tolerance to the point where if even the slightest pretense of a slant brings down the almighty wrath of some fringe group. You can't avoid anyone within the definition of your own tolerance; if you do, then the PC crowd automatically says "Well, you're intolerant."

In a way, using your above definition, tolerance may have been warped into intolerance....

As an aging curmudgeon I've found that the only thing I hate in net discussions is someone who HATES (fill in the blank with name of show, franchise, character etc.) and simply must share this hatred with the rest of the world. With Trek this always takes the form of a chorus of "The New Show Sucks", each and every time there is a new show. It is tedious.
There are plenty of things in the Fan World that I either don't enjoy or maybe even "dislike" but HATE is pretty much more bother than it's worth.
There is little point in discussing the merits or flaws of something with someone who HATES it. There is little point in throwing tirades about Creative Powers that Be. I'm afraid I don't believe in "Fan Activism", the odd phenomenon where seething hordes of irate Fans cling precariously to the delusion that some Corporate decision makers may, actually give a damn about what they think. Or, for that matter, that I may give a damn about what they think.
Perverse creature that I am, I can't help but bait the HATE-mongers, just a little bit.
Fandom is a fringe subculture filled with folks who have a fanatical devotion to specific genre shows, movies and books. It is perhaps unreasonable to expect a collection of fanatics to rationally discuss their various differences of opinion with politeness and humor. Sad that.
So, if somebody wants to discuss with me the weaknesses of characterization or disappointing plot elements of the new Trek show. Okay dokey. If that person wants to rant about how much they HATE the "Evil UnTrek" (whether it be TNG, DS9, VOY or ENT), well, get ready to "take it like a humanoid" 'cause the 'Bob is bored!

I frequently get in trouble, especially around here, when talking about controversial topics. Maybe I don't express myself properly or maybe its my position, but people seem to really read far too much in the posts I make, such as the recent thread with KillerWhale.

I don't lie. I just don't do it. I don't blow sunshine up people's asses. And at 32, with a wife, child, a huge full-time job, this web site, plus external stuff like writing RPGs, I just don't have the time, frankly, to fuck around.

With that said, I tell you how it is. I tell you the truth. I give it to you straight from my brain (what's left of it :) ) to the keyboard--for the most part, unfiltered. This bothers some people around here. Some people just read too much into what I say and take it personally.

Contrary to popular belief there are very few people online, on this board, that I a) hate, b) think are idiots, or c) fundamentally disagree with and disregard anything they say. In fact, Jedi Muldoon is the only one that springs to mind. ;)

When I read and reply to threads it may shock a lot of you that I don't bother to look at who posted a thread/topic until afterwards. I'm just as likely to respond to a Doug Burke/Phantom thread and say "wow, that's awesome" or "that's total crap" irregardless of the people and personalities involved.

And, here's the kicker: I don't hold grudges. I don't have the time to do so nor the inclination. If I disagreed with you in the past, that's over and done with. Look at Aslan's and my love-hate relationship as an example. :) I recommended Phantom, one of Coda's loudest detractors, to review the product. If I held grudges I'd have to killfile half the people on this board.

So, in closing (and to put an end to this rambling), I think I get a raw deal around here. People need to not take my comments too far to heart or, in most cases, don't try to read between the lines. With me, I'll give it to you straight, upfront, and with no bullshit. Don't take it personally.

In the future, if you doubt this, just link this thread and come back to read up on me prior to replying to a post of mine. :D

Here, Here Don (Not to kiss @$$). I wish people in everyday life would just tell it like it is and not perform the dance of lies.

sigh..

Just been dealing with to much crap latly (see past thread).

Karg