Ha ha - Ya - I suppose.
But is it right to laugh at someone's beliefs?
Is it right to laugh at someone who doesn't have the ability to think clearly?
Maybe it is... but mostly it just makes me sad.
(sigh)

I agree. It would be like finding out someone has a disability you didn't know about then withdrawing your friendship with them. Unless the person has shown violent tendencies then changing your behavior towards them would be cruel.

Yes, so far that's how I've handled it. He's a nice guy and he has some good ideas pertaining to business. So far, I don't consider him dangerous or a threat... questionable for sure, but not mean or anything like that.
It makes me uncomfortable to discuss it only because it drops my opinion of this guy with every bit of 'proof' he comes up with. I feel a little embarrassed for him and wish I could just shake his head clear of this silliness.

'I do think that people with beliefs as far fetched as that could become dangerous". We are living in those times already and these kinds of erroneous beliefs are dangerous. I call it the National Enquirer mentality.

@patchoullijulie i agree that we are indeed living in those times, but that still doesnt mean every person who believes these things is dangerous. like i said, i know plenty of them who are pretty much like the rest of the people i know, just they believe some weird stuff as well. they don't go around eating peoples faces and sacrificing babies, they just think differently

I agree. Not my intention to imply they are all dangerous. I also know some very nice, decent people with views that I would consider to be strange or unrealistic.

@patchoullijulie some of the super pushy ones tho can be a bit much, and its always good to be careful. also sorry if that came out wrong, i wasnt trying to say you think they are all bad, i just wanted to be clear that my point was that there are good and bad in most groups, rather than that there was nothing to worry about at all. btw i love how on this site, things like this don't seem to turn into an argument, i like that we can just explain our stance and be cool

@Byrd I couldn't agree more. Cool is the word I would use to describe this site.

OH!!! I like this idea!!!
Hmmm - will have to give this some thought.

Yes... me too,
...to a slightly lesser degree.
This guy went looking for his fairytale and didn't just believe the one he was spoon-fed.

I hear ya!! He seems pretty harmless so far - and I can't completely avoid him - at least not at work.. <sigh>

I don't think it is fair to call him a "wackjob". Being misinformed and/or uneducated does not qualify anyone for that title.

@Betty He is a little wacky, but he's mostly just a nice guy who has some very wacky ideas.

@Betty I have seen a few people like this, although not to this extreme. I know a couple of people who are 9/11 conspiracy theorists, or UFO cover up conspiracy theorists. The problem with someone being misinformed now is that, you almost have to choose ignorance to maintain a belief. You also have to be extremely paranoid. I don't think that term is out of line unless the person you refer to has a mental impairment, and that doesn't sound like the case here.

@JimG

Being uninformed and/or of lower intelligence only means that the potential to learn is possible. Without knowing the personal history of this person I think assigning him an unflattering name is uncalled for.

The only problem I have is with the choice of the word "wackjob". To me, it implies a mental deficiency (insanity). I have no problem with the word "wacky" because to me it implies over the top (extreme).

Since neither of us knows this young man, assigning him a title seams unfair and judgemental.

@AMGT havent seen that

I believe I stated that I've "always thought of him as at least average intelligence", and have gone on to say that he has good ideas and follow through. I'm not saying he's not intelligent.

Regarding being curious and doing research, he is, as I eluded to, and what he's researching is leading him to believe that the earth is flat.

Not that I'm even remotely suggesting that he believes it's ok skin puppies alive to appease the Cat Gods, but if he did, would you also suggest that I mealy "just avoid such topics with him, and enjoy your common ground"?

Interesting that your entire comment is composed of questions.

@scurry Based on some other comments I read here, I was asking questions that might inspire some deeper thought - not challenging you to answer them all, or justify in any way. But yes - often posts will stir up all sorts of questions. We're thinkers after all - yes ? Peace.

@evergreen
Questions are challenges... No?
I prefer thinkers to non-thinkers.
Yes, peace. ☮

@scurry while questions can be challenges, I don't see them all that way - I often ask questions simply because it's a great way to learn, and see other viewpoints. And yes - those who use their brains are interesting and fun - sexy even !

Did that come with a caption? I would love to read it.

Holy Turtle-Earth! The Myth is REAL!!!

yes @buzz13 something about the flat earth bullshit

@LeighShelton Oh, I thought maybe a joke or something, now It'll take the rest of the afternoon to think of one.

keeps you on your toes @buzz13

Truth!

I agree that misinformation is like a plague, and the internet is one of the main carriers. I even agree that the Media can play a part in reinforcing misconceptions and half-truths.
It's crazy what bullocks can make headlines and get accepted as truth.And just because a lot of people believe it, doesn't make it so...

Pretty sure we can all agree on that one point.
(sigh)

@scurry The reminded me of the pandemic hysterias the media had created SARS the bird flu and the most recent Ebola.

Ha ha!!! Love that picture!
Yaaaa - I don't know what the problem is or how to fix it.

I love how stupid it is .. and the memes it inspires mainly lol !!

Little bit for sure.

That makes sense... I'll have to think about that.
Thanks for the link.

Oh boy - sounds like the friendship is taking a bad turn.
It's upsetting when good friendships are torn apart by stuff like this.
Friends shouldn't lie to each other or be dishonest, and certainly shouldn't disrespect one another. And if he's becoming mean... that's no good either.
Don't put yourself in danger - physical or mental.

@scurry ive been thinking about it a lot these days. it sucks twice because we work together and he is my superior. my job is not in jeopardy. but it sure is uncomfortable when he is in one of his moods. im trying to get some stuff in order and when the time comes i will ask either for a promotion or to be moved to a different property (we work for an apartment complex). as sad as loosing his friendship makes me, he underestimates how little shame i have and none of his petty games will break me.

@scurry damn. i didnt realize i had so much to say lol

@dianahdz88 say it all!! It helps to let it out.
You seem like you've got it under control, so good on you for not letting him get the better if you!
These situations are never easy.
Best of luck!

You have a very valid point; every member of society seems to have a place...

I think it's a thing with some of the younger folks and their trust (maybe) with the older generations. That we're not telling them everything, that we've pulled the wool over their eyes...
And now that anyone can post anything on the internet and make it sound 'true' that someone out there is bound to jump on board.
I hope it's a phase that both he and your daughter grow out of.
(sigh)

Thanks for the comment, but I probably won't pass along the message.
?

@scurry I’m sure lol