One major trait that I initially developed in the chat rooms, then nurtured and grew to the point where I can inflict it on people without even realizing that I'm doing it, is the ability to push peoples buttons at will.
I've always had issues with people who are either super inflexible on a given point/belief or just simply unable to see another reasonable point of view. When I come across people like that, more often than not I will become that distinct minority and present a very sobering opposing viewpoint/thought that will often buzz the person in question w/o them even realizing it. Others, who are pretty high up on the food chain IQ-wise, will realize it that I'm calling them out on their stringent belief and either join in, mock them, mock me or ignore me.
While most people would call that being a troll, I don't rise to the technical definition of a troll. Unlike most trolls, I actually stick around to either triumph, meet my match, or get hoisted by my own petard. The reason why I sometimes get hoisted by my own petard is that while I'm more than willing to change my views on certain things in my advanced age (48 1/2), I'm not as willing change my views on hot button topics if I feel that I'm being bullied to change my viewpoint.
To give you an idea on what topics I'll speak up about, here is a short list of topics in which I was the recipient of an unbelievable amount of vitriol/hatred:
1} gay marriage (not 100% opposed as I believe marriage should be between a man & woman, but I'm willing to accept the inevitable);
2} language (I'm not a big fan of political correctness nor am I fan of 1984/NewSpeak)
3} Matthew Shepard (my viewpoint is that he was murdered not because he was gay, and a book that came out last year reinforces that viewpoint, and note, the person who wrote it is gay and married)
4} bullying as it applies to religious beliefs
5} unions, specifically public sector (an oxymoron if there ever was one).
So my gentle readers (as Miss Manners would say), can I interest you in an honest debate about a topic that is near and dear to your heart, or would you rather have a flame war, in which there are no winners or losers, only collateral damage.
(c) 2014 by G.B. Miller. All Rights Reserved.
I don't really know about #3, but I agree with most everything else you said. While I don't particularly care to goad others, I do find myself bucking for a fight if something I believe strongly is being tested - I absolutely abhor violence against children, etc. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" and I look forward to visiting again.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
Many years ago, I learned the wisdom of that old saying "Never argue with a fool in public because people usually can't tell the difference." The only reason I will debate a wee bit with you on certain hot button topics is because I like you. That's a compliment in case it's not obvious, LOL!
ReplyDeleteYou picked a great word and really made me think. So nice to follow and connect with an a to z challenger, and I look forward to more posts. http://aimingforapublishingdeal.blogspot.co.uk/
ReplyDeleteSylvia: Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteYeah, #3 is a red hot button topic, one that should be treated with respect. I rarely get into beefs with that one, but when it did, it actually spilled over into my work world. I will make sure to check out your blog (if I haven't already).
Debra: I wouldn't take it any other way but as a compliment. I enjoy debating with you because you're willing to listen the other side's point of view.
Comley: Thanks for stopping by.
That is the one thing that I try to do, make people think.
I've never understood flame wars. Frankly I don't think it matters whether zealots are on the left or the right - if they're angry and insult those who disagree, all they leave is hatred behind.
ReplyDeleteM: This is true, although it seems as of late, the zealots that I've come across on FB are on the left. Very rarely on the right.
ReplyDelete