To My Fellow Friends and Writers

There is a dilemma on YWS. Not with the actual website, but rather with its users. Lately I've been seeing a lot of intolerance among our fellow writers. I've seen a lot of disrespect, a lot of hatred, and a lot of cruelty.

I'm not calling anyone out, all I'm saying is that I think we need to change this. I'm not excusing myself either. I know I've probably angered many of you from stupid things I've said, from careless, thoughtless words I've posted.

I think we all need to take a deep breath and really think about who we're talking to, who we're socializing with on this website. Computers allow us to hide behind a screen. I think that gives many of us the courage to say insensitive things we wouldn't normally say to someone's face. It feeds our pride, it hurts others, and it's just not healthy.

Let me just say that whether you are a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a Hindu, a pagan, an atheist; whether you are gay, straight, black, white, as young as eight, or as old as forty, we all deserve respect, we all deserve to be appreciated. Furthermore, I think we are obligated as human beings to respect one another as well.

I'm sick of seeing arrogant posts intended to wound others and nasty debates. I'm tired of seeing people taking cheap shots just to prove a point or to make their opinions known. The next time you find yourself in a debate, think about who you're actually talking to. They're human, they make mistakes... and they hurt, too. We all hurt. Think about what that person might be suffering with, think about what they might be going through. They probably don't need to read a conceited, rude, and inconsiderate response aimed to cripple them. No matter what they believe or who they are, they are human and they deserve to be respected, not be slighted or belittled.

I'm sorry for my rant, but I just want to see change. In this generation that advocates acceptance, open-mindedness, and tolerance, I've seen quite the opposite on this website and not just towards minorities, but towards all people. Let's change that.

Let's be humble, let's have some empathy. Let's all learn to respect each other.

Thanks guys.

--H.

It's a matter of ignorance, dear.

Unfortunately, there are many people who refuse to look at the bigger picture. And what is the bigger picture? There is no answers. It's all one big open-ended question in which we think we have the answers to.

The fact is, no one really knows and is not willing to admit that they don't know. After all, religion is faith so there is a good chance they don't want to admit it because that would mean admitting they do not have full, undoubted faith.

As it goes, Atheist's don't want to admit they are wrong because it means eternal damnation or, better yet, being proven that science is not the end all be all. Blind faith in the occult is.

So what I would personally say, in this case, would be to ignore it and go on. Getting upset won't change anything. Reacting to it will only make it worse. It's infuriating but it is also apart of being alive and growing up. Making mistakes, calling each other out, testing our boundaries. Soon enough they'll come into their own realizations.

A big aspect of doubt is fighting back. Trying to prove, not to anyone else, but to yourself that you are right. Otherwise, why would it hurt for them to disagree? They need to find what they are looking for and then they'll be happy.

As it goes, I suppose I can't really preach too much on the subject seeing as I can be a pretty big perpetrator in such instances. I hate when religion plays a hand against what I advocate such as gay rights and pro choice. The only time I get vocal and flustered is when such things are brought up, and find it rather disrespectful when someone thinks that's necessary.

Anyways, just breathe. Life goes on and they will learn that ignorance and fighting is against everything they stand for in every religion or lack of religion. After all, Atheism is about breaking ignorance and seeing the world with a scope rather than blaming problems or putting everything on something else.

Keep your head up, hun. Tolerance is something we learn over time. And they will learn it, someday.

~Walker

Aw, but I liked making a total fool out of myself by being a disrespectful oaf. You're no fun, Hayden!

Also... er... this isn't really something you can discuss, is it? XD

I think that gives many of us the courage to say insensitive things we wouldn't normally say to someone's face. It feeds our pride, it hurts others, and it's just not healthy.

And just plain stupid and ignorant. I left this forum because I just felt that many people had and issue with debating respectfully while staying strong on their opinions. Religious bashing ( and taking pride in it) get's really old after a while.
And honestly, can't handle that.
That's not what I was taught to believe was responsible, mature, academic, and worthy debating. It's just having a nasty argument with a whole lot of facts and pretty English.

I'm actually on my way to a tournament now. Funny, huh?
I'm very impressed when I see members nicely respond and prove their points with facts, and it gives me more faith in this website. But I've just been burned too much here to set myself up to be insulted again. I just hope those who have issues with speaking wisely learn eventually.

Moved to The Lounge.

StellaThomas wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUFT35S7Jb4

Spoiler

Forever appropriate.

Hahaha, nice, Stella

Anyways, I haven't seen this problem that we're all discussing around on the forums of YWS, but, I sure hope I haven't contributed to it.

I would like to remind anyone who feels like they're been insulted that the mods are always here to here your case... They're like the judges/parents of YWS

-Justagirl

This rant mostly pertains to the debate forum. ^^;;

Stella! XD

I'd wager I've said some pretty immature, insensitive things on these forums. One bad apple is all it takes I suppose. No excuse for that, sorry.