Why can no one on this site hold a reasoned argument?

Question

please understand that the title of this question is meant to be ironically hypocritical.

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In all seriousness, if you take a random stroll down the "politics" category, nearly every thread contains myriad logical fallacies. Even posts whose titles don't shamelessly beg the question are loaded with dogma, ad hominem attacks, assumed causality, and non sequiturs.

Sure there are also people willing to have an honest "conversation," and there are even entire threads where academic discussion is encouraged. All the same, why are so many people so ignorant and angry?

In real life, I've only had one conversation that began with me making a statement and immediately followed with me be called "a dirty f-g who's going to need an abortion after all the g*y s*x [I] have" And to be fare, I WAS baiting the guy.

On Y!A, it seems this sort of thing happens all the time? Are people emboldened by anonymity, or are there just more ignorant people out there that I don't know about?

(Sorry, that loaded question was somewhat intentional as well)

Anyway, your thoughts would be much appreciated. And be honest. If you can't stand those b-tards who mock such a divine website as Y!A and can't believe that the likes of me have the stones to post on this forum, tell me. But I'll probably laugh at you.

Answer 1

Frankly, I think it is because too many people haven't taken formal logic (it was removed from the curriculum of elementary, middle, and high schools, decades ago).

In addition, almost all people invest part of their identity in the ideas they have, and see any disagreement with those ideas as a personal threat.

This results in ignorance of what a fallacy, premise, or conclusion is, and without any peers who can point those things out, they respond to each other, back and forth, for years.

Of course, it doesn't help to have people who:

were "...baiting the guy."

use intentionally loaded questions

calls people names

thinks it is an indication that they have courage to post on this website

or will "probably laugh at" us.

That is hardly is a convincing set of fact to prove that your behavior is that much different.

But we'll keep hoping.

Answer 2

to be FAIR, you were baiting the guy.

You annoy me. I want go out now and get laid because my day is ruined.

Answer 3

People can't have an argument because OP can't reply to posters without violating the "chat or rant" section of the rulebook

Also, you're proud of posting on /b/? that takes stones?

This is hardly even a question -_-

Answer 4

Here's what I think:

There are people in the politics section who listen to blowhards on TV and radio, and have memorized a great many of their facts and arguing points. When a topic goes beyond that for which they have a response, it begins a downward spiral of name-calling.

Answer 5

Blah blah blah...

Answer 6

I think a good portion of the people who post on the site are either fairly or very young and contribute to much of the immediate angry, ignorant responses. Some people come here with the intention of unwinding and joking around and even with the sole purpose of pissing people off because they have nothing better to do and it can be entertaining to see the foolish things people say when they're angry and don't take time to think before responding (or hit spell check before "submit" but that's beside the point). There's much much more that I'm to lazy to think of and type, but finally some people are "emboldened by anonymity" (as you so eloquently stated) and yes, there are probably more ignorant people out there than you expect. By the way, this was very prettily worded.

Answer 7

This site is not to argue, its to ask and answer questions

Answer 8

this site is not meant to argue or converse

Answer 9

Anyone who would be offended won't understand the words, and won't have the patience to read the post.  I, myself, have resorted to asking ludicrous questions just to see if people think I'm serious, which, unfortunately, they do for the most part.  I do think the anonymity is the emboldening force here, but I also think people are stupid, plain and simple.  Our society is spoon-feeding are children dribble, and they are eating it up like baby birds.  Just beware of allowing them to take your sense of humor away, though.  

Answer 10

Your too serious, join the psychology club at

your nearest university.

Or  Get yourself a girlfriend who will listen to

your being disappointments, people are not here

to meet your expectations JOE BLOW.

People are not as ignorant as you believe JOE BLOW.

Answer 11

I think it is the anonymity.  I can post anything on here, and no-one will even know who I am.  Okay, I admit, there are ways to find out who I am, but few people, even in an argument, will care enough to go to those lengths.  

Sadly, also there are a lot of people out there who think they know all, and actually know very little.  I hope to come off as one who knows little but wants to know more.  I think that there is a sad loss in today's culture of passionate discourse that puts aside personal insults.  On Y!A, you are your opinion, and nothing more.  

Answer 12

My answer is that politics, like religion, are topics that those who have deep  beliefs in those topics consider close to their hearts; some even gauge their self-worth and the worth of others by them. That being said, if someone comes in and mentions a different belief, some of these will feel that the one holding such beliefs are stupid, or even seeking direct conflict with them since they have mentioned having a different viewpoint. The more strident believers can't seem to live and let live. Personally, the only time I get nasty is when someone makes false assumptions about me or my beliefs based on the fact that I am a conservative, and their negative feelings about conservatives.  I'm a pretty nice guy overall, but that doesn't mean I'll let myself be walked on,

Answer 13

It's not a forum, you just have to expect anytime you ask a question you'll get an answer you don't like.

As for some of the questions that get asked on here I view them as "ask a stupid question you'll get a stupid answer"!

x

Answer 14

this is too long, so I'll just answer the first question - no reasonable person will spend his or her beautiful live away on a website full of religious crazies and mid-western 13 year olds (except me :))

Answer 15

im not reading that **** this is based on the title. because most questions suck balls plus whats with this you have so many spelling no i dont this is english ******* english not american english. now back to the question you cant call an argument 1 reply and one person`s response you idiot lol  

Answer 16

agreed