Is it possible for us to agree on our similarities rather than focus on our differences?

dseag2

dseag2

Dallas, TX
Location
Dallas, TX
I'm a relatively new member, and I like this forum. There is lots of great insight, input and experience here. However, I've stopped becoming involved in threads re: Covid and the vaccine because they are so divisive. I know we aren't supposed to discuss politics, but Covid has become politicized, so we are quietly breaking the rules. Although I was vocal at first, I no longer feel that my preaching about my point of view is going to change anyone's mind. That is simply my ego wishing to have the upper hand, and it is not worth the anger and aggravation.

I do find that when I participate in forums re: retirement, music, movies, nutrition, etc. that we all contribute in a positive manner and agree on many things. We typically all find common ground. This is cathartic, not stressful. Who needs more stress in their lives?

Hey, life is short. Food for thought. Comments are welcome.
 

dseag2 said:
I'm a relatively new member, and I like this forum. There is lots of great insight, input and experience here. However, I've stopped becoming involved in threads re: Covid and the vaccine because they are so divisive. I know we aren't supposed to discuss politics, but Covid has become politicized, so we are quietly breaking the rules. Although I was vocal at first, I no longer feel that my preaching about my point of view is going to change anyone's mind. That is simply my ego wishing to have the upper hand, and it is not worth the anger and aggravation.

I do find that when I participate in forums re: retirement, music, movies, nutrition, etc. that we all contribute in a positive manner and agree on many things. We typically all find common ground. This is cathartic, not stressful. Who needs more stress in their lives?

Hey, life is short. Food for thought. Comments are welcome.
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I relate and agree. I was just thinking tonight about how the COVID 19 threads are heading in the same direction as Politics was here years ago.

I have been trying to limit my interactions in that forum to keep my peace of mind. There are plenty of other forums here that I find very enjoyable. I love the Humor, Food, Health, Pets, Word of the Day, and General Discussion forums and don't need to worry about getting sniped there.

I'm so glad someone else feels as I do.
 

Shero said:
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The human race is designed to learn and grow. If we focus on our similarities and ignore the differences, we stunt that growth.
Vive la différence !
You have a choice to bypass the threads that upset you.
.
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I still follow the threads but don't respond to them. I don't want to watch the news, but it still may affect my life. I don't have to yell at the TV. That is the difference.
 
"That's just the way it is
And some things will never change ..." - Bruce Hornsby

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I joined this forum some years ago and was very conscious that as an Australian, I was an alien. I tried to be a good netizen but I did ruffle a few feathers by being outspoken on the subject of gun control. I learnt a lot in the process but did not stop posting because if I was learning about Americans I quite reasonably concluded that Americans were getting a lesson too. We learn most when were are not all in lock step and all singing in unison in the same choir.

In Australia I post on a small forum that is mostly about Australian politics. There is a balance between the lefties and the conservatives. The posts can get a bit heated but in the end we agree to disagree because we are actually forum friends.

In the end, it all boils down to tone, and avoiding name calling.
 
Warrigal said:
I joined this forum some years ago and was very conscious that as an Australian, I was an alien. I tried to be a good netizen but I did ruffle a few feathers by being outspoken on the subject of gun control. I learnt a lot in the process but did not stop posting because if I was learning about Americans I quite reasonably concluded that Americans were getting a lesson too. We learn most when were are not all in lock step and all singing in unison in the same choir.

In Australia I post on a small forum that is mostly about Australian politics. There is a balance between the lefties and the conservatives. The posts can get a bit heated but in the end we agree to disagree because we are actually forum friends.

In the end, it all boils down to tone, and avoiding name calling.
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I think it is important to have tolerance and patience with others. That way there is an opportunity to learn and grow. So as far as I am concerned yes it is possible for us to agree on our similarities rather than focus on our differences. It is also important to be able to agree to disagree.

I feel like the people in Australia and Great Britain are kinfolk. I always have. I try to pay attention to what goes on in both countries. My people came from Wales and Ireland so in that respect we are kinfolk.

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Must admit that at one time I would get upset about misunderstandings and used to fall for the antics of the trolls, now I just let it all go over my head.
I have been banned from a couple of forums and I take the stance of never going back. With a couple of them I do take a sneaky peek to see what is happening but that’s the only interest that I take.
 
dseag2 said:
I'm a relatively new member, and I like this forum. There is lots of great insight, input and experience here. However, I've stopped becoming involved in threads re: Covid and the vaccine because they are so divisive. I know we aren't supposed to discuss politics, but Covid has become politicized, so we are quietly breaking the rules. Although I was vocal at first, I no longer feel that my preaching about my point of view is going to change anyone's mind. That is simply my ego wishing to have the upper hand, and it is not worth the anger and aggravation.

I do find that when I participate in forums re: retirement, music, movies, nutrition, etc. that we all contribute in a positive manner and agree on many things. We typically all find common ground. This is cathartic, not stressful. Who needs more stress in their lives?

Hey, life is short. Food for thought. Comments are welcome.
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Pot, meet kettle.
 
Sometimes hearing the opinions of others can help us form our own opinions. Someone might post something that sounds outrageous and we think, that doesn't sound right, and after doing a little research, for me, anyway, most of the time it turns out that it's not right, and that it came from an unreliable and often dishonest source. But occasionally, I'll research some bizarre claim and it will turn out to be true!

Either way, it's a learning experience and just writing out a post is a cognitional exercise that... ah, what the hell. I'm going to take a nap. :)
 
I'm relatively new here too, and have experienced the same things on the SF site. Sometimes I also avoid hot spots like the covid19 discussions because of the "politics." Why get tense when there's enough tension around us? Life is too short.
What I like on SF is the freedom to move around and pick and choose the topics and threads that are relevant in my life.
What I like on SF are the people who arrive here with their experience, wisdom, and maturity and have so much to offer.
What I like on SF are opportunities to offer my own experience and advice to help others problem-solve.
Finally, what I like on SF are the people who are kind enough and take the time to give me a virtual pat-on-the-back (likes) and let me know they care. :)
We are all one big family on this tiny earth, even with our differences and similarities. My mother used to say, look at your hand with all the fingers. Each finger is different, even though it comes from the same hand. That's humanity.:)
 
Shero said:
The bone of contention seems to be the covid threads. The point of those threads is to bring awareness to the misinformation some post about the vaccine and other things relating to covid.

These threads are very important, whether you read them or not. Of course they may get a little heated from time to time, but, we are in the midst of a pandemic, Many anti vaxxers have no idea what that really means and so they sail along in their world of fantasy and fiction. There is no need to visit those informative threads if you would prefer not to but to complain and whinge is so childish in my opinion.
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Shero - you have every right to your opinion but dang :rolleyes: Why???
 
Shero said:
Since ( as you say) I have every right to my opinion, why are you ding danging me??? Sounds a bit silly from where I am sitting :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
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You do have every right to your opinion. I am sure it sounds a bit silly to you and I am good with that - I don't take it personal. I have someone in my life that feels no one is right except them so, I get it. I said dang because respect goes a long way and disrespect well... no explanation needed.
 

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