I Learned Something Today

Dr. Cheese · #1 06-26-2010, 07:38 PM

Today, I was called a racist in an argument on TB, and it is really interesting to note how I reacted. I felt as if the person had decided that I am a fundamentally bad person. A person who should be ignored instantly about anything because of that flaw. On the flip side, I also felt that this person was someone I no longer wanted to talk to because what's the point in talking to someone who thinks your core is fundamentally flawed?

It's interesting to note that for years, I have made it habit of not calling people racist, even if I suspected they were because that word carries so much baggage. That said, I know first hand now that the word hits even harder that I realized. That said, I have started a bunch of threads on race that pissed people off. I don't know how to talk about some topics, and not make folks mad. Maybe talking about some things just isn't worth it on TB? The only problem is how can I really be a full member if I can't say what's on my mind? I don't know the answer to that question.

The bottom line is that we have had many different life experiences, and there is no way that we
won 't have very basic and severe disagreements. Being polite, and avoiding certain words will not make points of disagreement disappear or make us all like each other, but it is a start.

Any way, I just wanted to share my feelings. I'm sure I'll start some thread and make someone mad, but I will try to listen, and not use language that shuts down a discussion before it can begin.

Herrlster · #2 06-26-2010, 07:42 PM

Sounds like you are admitting that you can come across as a racist but you want to tone the racism down a bit?

Mr wiggl3s · #3 06-26-2010, 07:44 PM

Race isn't really an issue any more. It's more about culture.

Edit: Also, is it ignorant to say that?

Dr. Cheese · #4 06-26-2010, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Herrlster

Sounds like you are admitting that you can come across as a racist but you want to tone the racism down a bit?

No, I am not admitting anything except that I understand that being accused of something can be hurtful. Whether or not any of us is racist depends on where someone else stands on any given issue.

FL Knifemaker · #5 06-26-2010, 07:58 PM

Racist no. Racial?? Only in almost every thread you post here in OT.

basstotheface · #6 06-26-2010, 08:02 PM

I guarantee this will get closed, and if this is going the way i think it will infractions will go and the whole mess.

Thunderscreech · #7 06-26-2010, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basstotheface

I guarantee this will get closed, and if this is going the way i think it will infractions will go and the whole mess.

Why? Are you the guy who called him racist or something?

fdeck · #8 06-26-2010, 08:32 PM

I've never felt offended by your posts, and I admire your insights.

Let It Fall · #9 06-26-2010, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

. I don't know how to talk about some topics, and not make folks mad. Maybe talking about some things just isn't worth it on TB? The only problem is how can I really be a full member if I can't say what's on my mind? I don't know the answer to that question.

I know exactly how you feel,

Jesus = No no, on TB

Gay Mariage = Yes yes, on TB

L-A · #10 06-26-2010, 08:50 PM

While these are valid points, they are raised in a context that will probably get the thread closed.

Let It Fall · #11 06-26-2010, 08:51 PM

no doubt.

Deluge Of Sound · #12 06-26-2010, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Let It Fall

I know exactly how you feel,

Jesus = No no, on TB

Gay Mariage = Yes yes, on TB

I'm not sure I follow.

basstotheface · #13 06-26-2010, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderscreech

Why? Are you the guy who called him racist or something?

No, no, but the guy who did is a regular on TB and will find this thread soon and then they'll start arguing, plus people are going to turn this political its just a bad idea.

Gard · #14 06-26-2010, 08:58 PM

Doc, sorry you had that happen. It hurts, been there myself, and it offends me deeply when I am accused of that, knowing that I am far from being racist.

I know you and I don't always agree, and I do sometimes feel your views are skewed a bit, but for the record, I've never felt you were racist.

A bit reactionary at times maybe - but then again, so am I!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Let It Fall

I know exactly how you feel,

Jesus = No no, on TB

Gay Mariage = Yes yes, on TB

Dude, really?

You are free to proclaim your faith in your sig file, and there is an incredibly huge and on-going thread (threads really) about worship service bassists.

Feeling persecuted?

Try walking in Doc's shoes a bit...or Major Metal's shoes...or mine even (I'm an open atheist in the bible belt)...you don't have the first clue about being persecuted.

Dr. Cheese · #15 06-26-2010, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basstotheface

No, no, but the guy who did is a regular on TB and will find this thread soon and then they'll start arguing, plus people are going to turn this political its just a bad idea.

For the record, I want no argument with the person that called me racist. He made his points, I made mine. We also exchanged PMs. Part of giving your opinion is that sometimes you make enemies. He has a right to his opinion of me, and I have no choice but to accept that is how he feels.

Dr. Cheese · #16 06-26-2010, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I've never felt offended by your posts, and I admire your insights.

Thanks.

basstotheface · #17 06-26-2010, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Let It Fall

I know exactly how you feel,

Jesus = No no, on TB

Gay Mariage = Yes yes, on TB

Feeling persecuted?

Don't even get started with that. I'm Jewish and live in constant fear of getting beat up, its incredibly hard being a minority, so try and see it from other peoples perspective. Not to mention ALL the Christian stuff on this website, worship basses everywhere.

EDIT: saw Gard's post and he put it better than I did, so sorry for adding redundancy.

Darkstrike · #18 06-26-2010, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Maybe talking about some things just isn't worth it on TB?

Heh, yeah, its just not worth the hassle, IMHO.

There's even quite a few TBer's I won't talk to, to make life easier.

I thought about not being able to speak my mind at first, like you, but realised its more like being polite in someone else's house(Paul's

), rather than fighing.

Gard · #19 06-26-2010, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by basstotheface

Feeling persecuted?

Don't even get started with that. I'm Jewish and live in constant fear of getting beat up, its incredibly hard being a minority, so try and see it from other peoples perspective. Not to mention ALL the Christian stuff on this website, worship basses everywhere.

EDIT: saw Gard's post and he put it better than I did, so sorry for adding redundancy.

No, you added relevance.

For the record, I have no issue with Christians, most of them I know are wonderful, caring, respectful people that have no beef with me. However, there are those that just don't GET it, don't understand that there are other viewpoints and that at least in THIS country, we have a right to them that is just as legally valid (this is not a comment/discussion on realistic validity!) as theirs is - CONSTITUTIONALLY valid at that.

Handyman · #20 06-26-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fdeck

I've never felt offended by your posts, and I admire your insights.

I feel the same way. As someone who's whiter than an episode of The Brady Bunch, I value Doc's additions to the conversations. They often get me thinking ways that wouldn't have otherwise.

Though seriously Doc, you need to seek professional help for your GAS issues.