Why does a vocal minority of DUers use the same logic as freepers

when talking about regions, states, and groups? When I first joined DU, I was looking forward to sharing ideas and action with like-minded individuals. Now, after three weeks, I'm beaten down.

Does anyone out there see anything wrong with that?

and even freepers post here.

As much as many people here don't like to admit it, it's true. We're the Bizarro Freeperland, and they are the Bizarro DU.

Just look at how they have a vocal minority of rigid fundamentalist Christians who denounce anything that doesn't fit in their worldview, and we have our own fundamentalist atheists who denounce anyone who practices a religion as "fools".

Just look at how they demonize anyone and everyone who doesn't agree with them, as we do the same on our side.

It's all brute group dynamics at work. I am certain that there are actually some posters at FR with whom I could have a more meaningful debate on issues and politics than some of the people here at DU.

Its nice to meet you. Thank you for your response, which I agree with just about 100%. :thumbsup:

You have to be either super left or have a really thick skin to hang around here. Me, I have a thick skin. Lots of people here really do get upset if you don't completely conform. But I enjoy being here, and I do pick up interesting news that I don't get anywhere else. And I do enjoy debunking some of the crazier stuff.

BTW - I tried posting at FR, but got banned on my first post. And I didn't even talk about anything political. I posted about Asian Bird Flu. DU can be touchy, but nowhere near as touchy as those folks.

We're people. We're not all like you. Maybe we're not always bright. Why should you feel beaten down? Stick to your convictions, unless someone has a truly better argument, and then learn from the experience.

--IMM

There are definitely some good discussions and the book club I particularly like. I guess I pick and choose and stay away from many threads. However, I do wish there was more rational discussion and less name calling. I hope you stay around.

Good to meet you and thanks for responding.

or go to a mixed forum, maybe.

Rush Limbaugh and the vast right wing conspiracy appealed to their innate bigotry to reel them in and to get them to vote against their own best interests.

Since most of us are those whom they are bigoted against, women, minorities and the working class, who can't make enough money to pay for all our needs, like health insurance, I don't see how by any stretch of the imagination or logic we are like them.

"beaten down"?

Newsflash, DU is not for the faint of heart -- it is rough and tumble/in-your-face political exchange.

If you can't handle the heat...hit the ignore button or become a lounge lizard.

I have been active in local politics at county and precinct levels and have worked for a few national campaigns. In those forums, I have never witnessed some of the shallow prejudice I often have encountered in the last three weeks.

I guess its something to do with the anonymity of the internet.

because its a lot easier to resort to name calling and senseless banter than it is to have a meaningful discussion. Just look at the election this past year. In my opinion a lot of things were "dumbed down" into a black and white world (i.e. either you're with us or against us). I wanted to get involved with a Democrat discussion board where I could share ideas and gain new information, but usually what I found was 24 hours of nothing but repeated one liners and Bush bashing. While I like Bush bashing as a j0oke every once in a while, I wanted a sense of something more. Finally I found DU. I've only been posting for a few days now but am already really enjoying the company of others that feel the same way about things that I do.

on to a more uplifting post. I agree with the ignore button, though I have never used it here. Polarization is not just between the left and right...the left is polarized between three factions, the DNC, the DLC and grassroots...the right is polarized betweent the conservatives and the religious right...so there are no set groups unless you join a forum that has about 3 people who agree upon everything. I sometimes even learn from posts with whom I disagree.

Do not expect this to be a forum to feed all your desires, just ignore people who you dislike the most and read and learn.

To be able to enjoy DU, you may have avoid the threads most likely to offend, put a few people on ignore, and let the rest roll off your back. And make sure to hit alert if you get accused of being a freeper.

I've lived in both Northeast and Southeast, and the difference is not nearly as great as it's portrayed. Millions of Northerners fulfill every negative Southern stereotype. And millions of Southerners defy those stereotypes.

Hope you can find a niche here that doesn't leave you feeling attacked. Cheers!
:toast:

just have some substance behind it! ;-)

Thanks for your wise thoughts.

I've posted many threads with reasonable, moderate subjects and gotten tons of responses. So not everyone here is afraid of debate or stuck to a rigid leftist world view. But there is a large segment that is. Just ignore them, and if you ever feel outnumbered, post a thread that calls out for more moderate, reasonable DU'ers - you'll get a pretty fair number of hits.

about the 'new' members here that seems to set certain people off. I've been 'flamed' too. I just consider the souce. There is an alert button at the bottom left of everyone's thread. I haven't used it yet, but I would if I felt someone has stepped over the line as far as rudeness goes.

Oh, and welcome to DU! :hi:

all of us still have a lot to learn and none of us knows everything about anything

people tend to forget that, too frequently...whether it be here or at free republic

i sort of wish there was a humility requirement to post here

This is flamebait.