Petition to keep the forum apolitical

[logistopath]

I would like political discussions to continue. In fact, I keep reading through the politics related threads here as a good source of information, since we have members from different viewpoints pitching in their views. In algorithm based social media, I am automatically tagged as a liberal or conservative or something else based on my previous interactions in the site, and I am fed similar content mostly. News channels are no good either. Which is why I find content on TE for opposing viewpoints with valid explanations and sources, especially from some members, really useful.

That said, I would like the discussions to remain civil with no name calling and mudslinging involved. So, stricter moderation on tone and delivery of content, rather than the content itself?

 

[Renegade]

I am not sure how many of us saw the description of the forum in question
Current Events & Debate: "A forum for users to discuss current events, social issues, and have debates while keeping discussions respectful and non-political."
Traditionally, we have always maintained that religion and politics are not allowed as these are highly polarizing and a personal choice. Religion is a big no for sure.

However for some world affair discussions like rupee against a dollar, political preferences do seep in. So my question again, what constitutes a political discussion? Where do we want to draw a line?

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If everyone would just make an effort to put up just one tech discussion thread a week on any topic of their liking based on what they have read elsewhere. If you are here day after day, several times a day, refreshing the whats new feed, please do consider taking out 15 minutes of that time in a week and just post a new thread.

Honestly I am surprised that TE has been around for 20 years, but it will be around for 20 more if we all play a small part in it.

There are so many things that you know that others may not have read, and its just spreading and building on the collective wisdom.

From curiosity we rise.. into brilliance we soar.

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Title: Petition to keep the forum apolitical
Question: Should political discussions be allowed on this forum

I see what OP did. lol. I, too, almost voted 'Yes' without looking at the question.

To be fair to the OP, it was my goofup. I edited the poll and created a new one. Sorry for that.

 

[PunkX 75]

I would love to have a sub-section for shitposts and toilet humor (yes, I know I'm a grown man)

 

[blr_p]

As TE grows, more people who like tech or other such hobbies are likely to be turned off by such political talks and the tech based discourse will plummet even further, outside of maybe tech support related.

If they ignore sections why should it turn them off. And I don't understand how they get turned off in the first place because the people supposedly against never contribute.

They just don't want to see something that they don't like. Then don't see it.

What these people are trying to do who contribute nothing because they know nothing is prevent those that DO know.

This is my personal observation and I may be wrong, and in that case, I would like to hear counter arguments if any.

No counter arguments when I don't understand why your main point is true.

 

[grenade0]

I think political discussions should be allowed. we all are affected by the political situation in our country. We can make a different section for it. I just hope the members keep the discussions civil and instead of defending a certain party or ideology we see what is better for the country as a whole. instead of saying this law is bad or good, we go into the details see why it is good or why it is bad.

 

[TEUser2K1]

Voted Yes.
Hope people can evolve with better debates and ideas.
Such debates keep the forum active.
Otherwise, will need enough serious technical content which is not seen often, except from few very good members, thanks to them.

 

[Rezep]

Until one member tries to kill another member over a debate they had online, I say keep it open

 

[blr_p]

These opinions, when admitted into the forum, create biases between members and clusters of members. The more vitiated the political atmosphere, the worse the division. We live in such a time as of this writing.

These clusters can be pitted (and have been) against each other, resulting in fractious and bitter arguments, lots of mud-slinging, requiring severe moderation.

In absence of moderation, one side or the other feels slighted. Even if one does not participate in the discussion, one can and usually does form opinions and bias about other members, which influences the free flow of discussion - because the information then received from other members is corrupted by the bias formed for or against them.

Over time, the core of the forum hollows out and loses weight and gravitas, leaving only the bitterness from political bias (religion is also not allowed there, for similar reasons). There are events that have led to 15- and 20- year old memberships being terminated, people putting each other on ignore lists and some just going silent and dropping off the radar. You end up losing a lot of talent, a lot of content. Families, friendships and brotherhoods are ripped apart due to politics, what chance does a forum have?

I've participated in political discussions on this board since 2008. I know because I'm active in them. Whereas you don't participate.

How come these developments you described never happened here?

So you have nicely described such an alarmist scenario that is non applicable

We get the odd few making threats. Let them go.

I understand this forum exists for everyone, but there are plenty of spaces on the internet to discuss politics, many are very welcoming of such discussion. We are (or were, back when I joined) a tech forum and a tech forum only. I would welcome a return to those days.

Why don't you come out and say it.

You and others against are alarmed that a current affairs section now exists. That such discussions will be the norm for as long as said governments are in office. And here's the kicker... of a political persuasion you don't like.

Have you ever hung out on def boards. I have for over a decade. Very competitive. Sources for this and that. Nothing of what you described happens over there either.

Should be ground zero since those topics are a staple of the board and not some small interest section like here.

 

[PunkX 75]

Keep it open, maturity becomes of importance when having a different point of view. People who don't wish to participate/see such threads have enough reprieve in the form of ignoring, or just sticking to other lists, and not bothering. There are certain members who resort to poop throwing like immature chimps, when they are narrow minded with certain topics, but such members are the minority.

 

[cranky]

... of a political persuasion you don't like.

Is this your assumption? Because I said nothing like that.

Making assumptions about my political leanings based on something I said (that has nothing to do with politics) is one of the key milestones of a fractious and toxic environment.

There's a reason people like us don't participate in political threads and prefer to stick to the core of a community. Take a guess what that reason is.

 

[mayank11280]

Is this your assumption? Because I said nothing like that.

Making assumptions about my political leanings based on something I said (that has nothing to do with politics) is one of the key milestones of a fractious and toxic environment.

There's a reason people like us don't participate in political threads and prefer to stick to the core of a community. Take a guess what that reason is.

This is my observation too.

Some people make presumptive remarks a lot. Labelling people this or that.

I feel constructive discussion requires respect. Which goes out of the window especially in political arguments, for some people.

It is very discouraging. The “you” this, “you” that, is almost always uncalled for. We all should refrain from such ad hominem, it is distasteful and disrespectful, if we want to make this forum appear more participatory and inclusive.

Even here we see certain people getting overly charged. (Edit: Thank you mods for cleaning out the thread). A bit of grace and sensitivity will go a long distance to come to a mutually acceptable solution.

I had proposed an opt-in mechanism for visibility of non-tech/political discussions for users. I think it balances interests of people on both the sides.

Keep it open, maturity becomes of importance when having a different point of view.

This is very true. Maturity is needed when engaging with people having a different point of view. Name calling must be avoided.

 

[Neotheone]

So my question again, what constitutes a political discussion? Where do we want to draw a line?

I suggest we approach it indirectly by having simpler rules against use of ad-hominem attacks on members, or use of logically fallacious arguments (whataboutery / strawman / etc.). That said, I am conscious of the limitations that mods have to deal with - so maybe it can be considered at some point, when maybe we have cheap LLM solutions that can detect use of such arguments.

 

[Renegade]

I suggest we approach it indirectly by having simpler rules against use of ad-hominem attacks on members, or use of logically fallacious arguments (whataboutery / strawman / etc.). That said, I am conscious of the limitations that mods have to deal with - so maybe it can be considered at some point, when maybe we have cheap LLM solutions that can detect use of such arguments.

Using LLM is on the wishlist of things to do before the mid of this year to detect hostile intent. Will consider your other inputs on immediate basis, they seem sound but will require more moderation oversight.

It is very discouraging. The “you” this, “you” that, is almost always uncalled for. We all should refrain from such ad hominem, it is distasteful and disrespectful, if we want to make this forum appear more participatory and inclusive.

Even here we see certain people getting overly charged. A bit of grace and sensitivity will go a long distance to come to a mutually acceptable solution.

I had proposed an opt-in mechanism for visibility of non-tech/political discussions for users. I think it balances interests of people on both the sides.

Absolutely, this name calling, confrontation and dragging people into a discussion should be avoided. Make your point respectfully and step back.

I was thinking of this opt-in mechanism, will see how it can be implemented. Will take a few months though.

 

[Party Monger]

Bhakts dont want political debate as the atmosphere is changing and publicly holding a pro dictator stance is becoming harder, as he does more stupid stuff. Not to mention the consequences of last decade worth of decisions are already upon us.

Even if I'm the only one, I'll say let there be debates, let the world know the emperor is naked. Do it as often as you can, whenever you can. Let people who support this retard know they're just as retarded, at every chance you get. Dont let them get away with "keep the forum apolitical pls, hearing how stupid my mudi daddy is hurts my feeelings UwU "

 

[Futureized]

I don't care if its allowed/disallowed.
I keep away from politics on platforms which are not specially made for politics.

 

[ishanjain28]

I do not mind the political discussions here. Echoing the message from a few other people in this thread, I'll prefer if it's opt in than opt out.

Additionally, I would really appreciate if there was a better option to block users. I ignored a few from the other thread here but I have not idea what that does. I'd like an option to block them so I never ever have to see anything from them again. Is that possible, @Renegade ?

 

[gourav]

Bhakts dont want political debate as the atmosphere is changing and publicly holding a pro dictator stance is becoming harder, as he does more stupid stuff. Not to mention the consequences of last decade worth of decisions are already upon us.

Even if I'm the only one, I'll say let there be debates, let the world know the emperor is naked. Do it as often as you can, whenever you can. Let people who support this retard know they're just as retarded, at every chance you get. Dont let them get away with "keep the forum apolitical pls, hearing how stupid my mudi daddy is hurts my feeelings UwU "

Lol.. This is completely opposite of the truth. Right wingers love mud slinging and love to engage in political debates because they are masters of getting away with fallacious arguments.

Just as an example, whenever a centrist or leftist raises an argument like this post, right wingers will leave comments saying "if you don't like it, ignore it". But they'll never apply the same on themselves, and will constantly keep insisting that left wing ideology is being shoved down their throat.

Honestly, there are hardly any true left-wing liberals in India. As a percentage of the population, true liberals are miniscule percentage. That is why I want to stay away from political discussions. Because my opinions come across as so radical that I feel cornered. I'm a part of some liberal spaces on Reddit and it's appalling how mysogynistic even those places are.

I think the best suggestion in this thread is to just increase the quantity of tech related discussions, which will automatically sideline the kind of threads one doesn't want to see.

 

[Decadent_Spectre]

Human division is age old. Human division leads to human war, hence I support political debates which encourages human division. This is my opinion.

 

[Party Monger]

Lol.. This is completely opposite of the truth. Right wingers love mud slinging and love to engage in political debates because they are masters of getting away with fallacious arguments.

Just as an example, whenever a centrist or leftist raises an argument like this post, right wingers will leave comments saying "if you don't like it, ignore it". But they'll never apply the same on themselves, and will constantly keep insisting that left wing ideology is being shoved down their throat.

Honestly, there are hardly any true left-wing liberals in India. As a percentage of the population, true liberals are miniscule percentage. That is why I want to stay away from political discussions. Because my opinions come across as so radical that I feel cornered. I'm a part of some liberal spaces on Reddit and it's appalling how mysogynistic even those places are.

I think the best suggestion in this thread is to just increase the quantity of tech related discussions, which will automatically sideline the kind of threads one doesn't want to see.

Maybe improve your discussion skills if you get buried by "if you dont like it, ignore it" type of arguments, rather than glorifying them. They're the lowest scum operating on logic so strong it can't support a feather.

 

[rsaeon]

I've been terrified of every political discussion I've taken part in. I'll post something and then sleep for half a day and then feel relieved when no one replies and the discussion moves on, ignoring my input.

We should keep it, it's helping me lose weight.