Most of society would consider me more left than right. I believe several leftists on this forum are toxic and idiotic as well. There really isn’t that big a difference between the crazies on both sides when it comes to intolerance and intellectual dishonesty.
I agree that there are toxic conservatives. I was only saying that they don’t demand that the site owners censor other opinions. At least not that I’ve seen. It is the leftists on the site who complain daily that there are opinions being expressed some where that they don’t like.
When your ideas are terrible the only way to win arguments is to silence the opposition.
The fundamental problem with free speech is that "people can't handle the truth" (Jack Nicholson).
The vast majority of "toxic" thoughts and speech are just truths about the world that people can't face. We are all in denial! And most specifically about death herself!
The current climate does not provide enough forums for the free expression of ideas without discussions that can include both civil and uncivil dialogue.
The fundamental problem with free speech is that "people can't handle the truth" (Jack Nicholson).
The vast majority of "toxic" thoughts and speech are just truths about the world that people can't face. We are all in denial! And most specifically about death herself!
If I learned anything from that courtroom scene featuring Nicholson’s/Col. Jessup’s “you can’t handle the truth,” it’s that the primary problem lies with people other than the speaker.
And a lot of moderation might make this a serious site for running-related information.
That would make things incredibly messy.
The best thing to do is to ignore idiots or argue against their ideas.
Like all other freedoms, people need to understand there are some negatives--like trolls and idiots--but also an opportunity to argue, have fun, and get serious running-related info if you look for it.
This is a wild, free-flowing forum, and I'd rather have that than a Runner's World-like forum.
I come from a running family, so I grew up spending time around my local running community at road races and club events. I have always found that runners, on average, are kinder and more intelligent than most other hobby groups.
So why are the discussion forums on the largest competitive running website so ridiculously toxic? Every thread is filled with hateful, cynical rhetoric, and I honestly can't think of a worse place on the internet. Does anyone have some insight?
There are many worse places on the internet. I think the range of quality here is wider than most: from some mind-bogglingly ignorant, obnoxious, arrogant nutjobs to some very astute and articulate individuals. Some dour, label-slinging political hacks, some thoughtful humanitarian adults. Trolls, creeps, faux intellectuals, and boneheaded hominculi. But to me all the better for diversity and range. In fact theres probably too much mod intervention. Not for the thin-skinned! I dont even mind when my verbal effluence is occasionallyflushed-means I might have struck some bluenose a slight bop. Wouldnt change a thing. Well, maybe the mod intervention rate.
I come from a running family, so I grew up spending time around my local running community at road races and club events. I have always found that runners, on average, are kinder and more intelligent than most other hobby groups.
So why are the discussion forums on the largest competitive running website so ridiculously toxic? Every thread is filled with hateful, cynical rhetoric, and I honestly can't think of a worse place on the internet. Does anyone have some insight?
I used to think the same thing. Runners like everyone else are humans with different perspectives and maturity levels. Posting on the message boards make you anonymous so no one knows who you are. People can express their true feelings without consequences as if they were to say some of the offensive things here to people's faces, or they would get their butts kicked and they know it.
Some people on these boards are very insightful and you can learn a thing or two and I really appreciate respectful and insightful input, but like everything you have to accept the good with the bad. I have come to realize that many people are miserable and are not happy and channel their misery on message boards like these not just for running but in other sports as well.
I come from a running family, so I grew up spending time around my local running community at road races and club events. I have always found that runners, on average, are kinder and more intelligent than most other hobby groups.
So why are the discussion forums on the largest competitive running website so ridiculously toxic? Every thread is filled with hateful, cynical rhetoric, and I honestly can't think of a worse place on the internet. Does anyone have some insight?