(November 11, 2017 at 5:23 pm)Joods Wrote:(November 11, 2017 at 1:50 pm)shadow Wrote: I've noticed terms like 'republicunt' being throw around quite a lot on this forum, and I'm wondering what this accomplishes. Any time derogatory terms like this are used, it makes the argument ad-hominem instead of issue based, and I'm unlikely to find the point being made persuasive even if I'd normally agree with it. In fact, it almost discredits the source in my eyes because I see them as biased.
Even if you disagree with something or someone entirely, name-calling seems counterproductive, because it alienates the parties that you are discussing. It serves to build echo-chambers, and it never makes you more likely to hear a rational response.
Am I missing something? Is there any benefit to this style of discussion?
Agree, Yet I've seen some of the individuals that kudosed your post, not think twice about using the word "retard". If that word doesn't phase them, then republicunt or any other derogatory word won't matter.
Just my two cents. You have a point shadow but I've already tried appealing to this forum about the use of the word " retard" and I just get told to deal with it. That and I shouldn't be so sensitive.
Well, while I agree with you, I'm not trying to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't say: it's just something for people to consider. It sounds like people use that kind of insult because they aren't really thinking about what the point of their message is, but if someone wants to be more effective there's a strong rational argument for not intentionally offending your audience. It's their own loss if people don't want to consider this.
Like, personally I grew up with enough siblings (and played enough MMORPGs
) that I've learned not to be bothered by insults, so it's not something that I take issue with on a personal level. It's more something that I see as counterproductive to the functioning of a group, especially one that wants to foster rational discussion.
