So I was thinking a bit this morning and I would like to point out something that we all tend to do that is very much against the rational discourse we enjoy here.
This is a much bigger problem elsewhere, but we can do better here and then take that with us, right?
The behavior is labeling people.
Before you apply some sort of label to a person, stop and thing a while and consider if there is a better way to organize your speech.
Taking a group of individuals and applying a rubber stamp label against them cripples your ability to interact with them in a meaningful way.
As soon as the label hits the communication medium, post there goes any discourse
For example calling someone a "bible thumper" No one is going to listen to your dialog when you call them a bible thumper. It simply evokes a negative emotional response. Useful only if you want to start a fight.
Just because I vote for a democrat doesn't mean I am for every little policy they make; my reasons are my own.
Calling someone a libtard or trumpanzie is just making the problem worse, not better.
We (humans) and (us, agnostics) can and should do better than this.
14
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15 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Totally agree, except, sorry, trumpanzee stays....the TRUTH is not always polite!
AnneWimsey
Level 9
Feb 8, 2018
0
I find this particularly prevalent whist discussing Israel. My ex and daughter are Jewish and subsequently I have a friend left from that relationship that is a zionist. Whenever any criticism comes up in the media a charge of anti-semitism is labeled at the critic. I find it so hard to reach out to her and say that the best way to get your point of view across is not by calling the other person a racist but to listen, take in what there are saying and then point out where they may be mistaken.
273kelvin
Level 8
Feb 7, 2018
1
Labels can be a convenient shorthand. But I agree that it should be done with thought and humanity. Also, people self-label. I'm a skeptic and proud of it.
chicagojcb
Level 7
Feb 6, 2018
1
I think you make a great point. I think people spend way too much time and energy focusing on labels. And not enough time getting to the source of an issue. I see it alot. Often when a person makes an argument (either good or bad) the responce they get begins with something like "your just a ......." rather than attempting to express why they found the argument unconvincing.
Michaelx7
Level 4
Feb 6, 2018
2
This mantra runs on a constant loop in the back of my mind. But it's still not enough. I need to give myself some more challenging homework assignments on this subject if I ever hope to graduate...
stinkeye_a
Level 8
Feb 6, 2018
0
I'd add to this and ask the wonderful and rational people here on this great site to remember to be better. Constructive dialog = yes!! I answered a post earlier and got called "preachy." Really?? C'mon.
poetdi56
Level 7
Feb 6, 2018
1
@Akfishlady No worries. I worry too much about being pedantic. 
It's all good.
I don't mind being labeled, as long as it's accurate.
jayneonacobb
Level 7
Feb 6, 2018
3
You are spot on. I mean, I like to label people when I talk to myself or husband, and we laugh about some of our terms. (Watschengesicht: someone asking to be slapped in the face) but it really does not help dialogue. On the other hand: some people , it seems, you can't have much of a dialogue with, even with all the will and openness of an angel. I have to admit, I rather walk away than try.
ZebZaman
Level 6
Feb 6, 2018
0
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