We have to ask ourselves at this point what a troll is and what constitutes trolling. Imho it is also important to explore the possible reasons for 'troll' behaviour.
Trolls are people who leave intentionally provocative or offensive messages on the internet in order to get attention, cause trouble or upset someone.
(From BBC.)
I want to make it clear that I'm not calling you a troll (not at the start of this 'drama' anyhow.) I also don't know the entire history of this recent shit show. I don't know who started using less than courteous and respectful language first but I imagine this is what did happen- and the rest has been a back and forth retaliation. I do think it would be good for the forum if it stopped though.
For people who are wondering (and worried) about what this is all about, I will try and summarize. (Although- bear in mind- I don't know the full story... I'm sure people will correct me if I'm mistaken.)
I think everyone is aware that there are a number of people here with Nihilistic views. (Understandable- this is a suicide platform- not Facebook.) Some recent posts in particular seem to have suggested that these views OUGHT to be held by everyone. While many of us sympathise with the Nihilistic viewpoint and even hold it ourselves, some of us also believe that it isn't some universal 'truth' that SHOULD be embraced by everyone... Hopefully that describes the crux of the argument.
This is where I faulter though. I imagine that at this point, someone from either 'side' began to use less than respectful language to the other and it's just continued from there. Basically, the Nihilist 'side' are being seen as a death cult and the other 'side' are being seen as totally the opposite- pro-life trolls.
I WANT to say- it would be nice if we could express our thoughts on here without fear of it all degrading into a shit show. (And from my experience, it has been possible- my views do differ from the outright Nihilist- yet I don't think our language has ever been less than cordial.) We OUGHT to be able to speak about our views freely here without being labelled as something derogatory.
That said- I think we are seeing that some people are more willing to discuss their viewpoints than others. In particular, you seem to have singled out
@FuneralCry. I would say that I have posted my opposing views on her threads before (my views are in fact more aligned with yours.) I haven't received abuse back. (Why do you think that is?) I've just received no response- which is fine. I take that to mean she doesn't want to discuss her views. That's also fine- we don't all have to agree here. I'm not even sure we are obliged to outright 'prove' our sentiments- this isn't court afterall... For me, I enjoy a debate but not everyone does.
I think the worst of it is we're trying to discuss issues which one 'side' believes they know the ABSOLUTE truth about. Put it this way- you email your local religious representative expounding that God doesn't exist and that you want to set up a theological discussion. You hear no response. Was that 'trolling?' No- you were only trying to voice your own opinion and initiate discussion. Yet, in outrage for not hearing back, you start sending multiple emails and create a sign in the church hall to let everyone else know. Is that 'trolling?' Hmmm, possibly... You are trying to 'provoke' a response.
As for here- I imagine you were trying to provoke a response in this thread- were you not? I'm imagining you are hoping for some sort of apology for having been insulted as a pro lifer etc. I expect you are hoping to create a more 'tolerant' platform where people can voice their views without being insulted and, ideally no one is told what they ought to 'rationally' think.
I DO understand where you are coming from but like the post about Existential Nihilism tried to argue yesterday- look at what you're up against! Some people won't budge on their beliefs. They're right, your wrong in their eyes. They don't want to discuss it. What's more- they find SOME posts that do question it offensive and even flippant.
In the case of
@FuneralCry- who you yourself have singled out- she doesn't retaliate on ALL posts who disagree with her. Why is that? Is it because the reply to her post was unrespectful in the first place? Like I say- I don't know.
I can only go on my own experience. I have experienced very strong views here. People that won't budge on their opinion and don't even want to discuss it. Seeing as there may not even be a right or wrong and I've no idea how we would reach a conclusion, I would think the best thing to do would be to leave those threads and people be. There are people here who are up for a debate on the same issues- spar with them instead.
I don't get the sense that
@FuneralCry is trying to 'convert' the forum to her way of thinking. For the MAJORITY of the time, her views are expressed as her own. I myself do have trouble when we start hearing words like 'fact' as applied to something I would argue was subjective (like someone's experience of life). Still, I don't feel like I'm about to be thrown off the forum for having a different opinion.
Should we be able to question things we don't agree with? I certainly hope so. Still- I have to wonder if it's the WAY you question as to the response you'll get back. Also- I would say- if you already know someone is sensitive about a certain thing, why would you keep on at them? Is that not 'trolling?'
I do agree that your mention of being 'happier' seemed to initiate an onslaught of 'pro life' name calling. Still- this doesn't ALWAYS seem to happen. You're not the only one on here who has ever talked about being relatively happy at one stage. I do have to wonder what lead up to this reaction. Like I say- I don't know.
I think we do ALL need to be mindful of our language. There's no need for any of us to bully one another. There is so much love and compassion in this community. I value it so much. I hope we can all find a way of expressing our views without insulting one another.
🖥
). That's a bit of a tall order. Just do what you can. Clean your corner of the house. Maybe hold yourself or others to a higher standard. Muck in and do your bit. That's what a goddamn community is for!
