The point of discussing politics

Memnoch

sometimes I wonder, what is the point of discussing politics. I would think that the majority of posters on these forums (probably myself included) have our minds generally made up about our stance in a given topic.

despite numerous attempts to educate each other, has anyone actually succeeded in making an arguement that "convinces" someone of a different persuasion?

or is it merely for us to be able to vent about the things we believe really matter, but are powerless to effect any change in?

so what if any is the purpose of political discussion among those without any power, whose numbers are limited, and the fact that few people beyond those who tend to post here will ever read our arguements anyway.

edit: I remember when I supported the afghan war. I was completely blinded by fox news propaganda, and thought those 9/11 terrorists deserved what they got etc etc. had i been on these forums then, i wonder if perhaps persuasive arguements would have convinced me...

i think in the long run, when ppl, like myself have a change of heart its through self-education. Something has to happen that is meaningful to you on your terms in order to convince you of the validity of lack therof, of a political point of view...
and even then, what significance is there?

BlitzKrieg

actually part of my course is politics so i come here to actually study all the different view points and use them for discussion in our own seminars (Memmoch you have popped up quite a few times) But i can see where your coming from...


But there is a difference between having a viewpoint and being generally uneducated on the matter, for example I would put it that you and Sand have different viewpoints (sand is usually more right wing then you) But both of you can argue your points amazingly and have on some occasions come to agreement. But people like the muppet who started the 'RTE are anti-semetic' are uneducated (difference between isreal and Jews etc).


Another aspect i use this place for is for news that slips past the general newspaper radar or news from either specific American sources or Ireland in general (studying in england so i hear little and Irish Times etc charge for use of website and i'm a studant, scabby enough buying one newspaper a week) Also apart from picking up the telegraph, times or something similar on sundays the only paper i see during the week is either the studant paper or the god awful SUN or MIRROR which i end up reading just to laugh at it. (Nothing makes me laugh more, then the SUN trying to be serious...esp the whole crap over Maxinne Carr)


So to answer your question. 'To each his own...' there are many reasons for viewing this forum, and know that you are not powerless, you are reaching dopey studants in Cambridge who dont know what socialism is apart from the much feared Communism....(fun to mess with their heads)

halkar

Everybody looks at current affairs in a different way and I think that is something worth listening. We all have our directions and even lefties can educate righties or vice verse as long as we keep it civil as it's not that our opinions will change the world so no need falling over words

I dunno. If you mean why come to this forum and discuss each thread, then there are a number of reasons for me.
1) To gain info. - I often miss the news so these boards are a good way of keeping up to date,
2) I like to argue. [ :rolleyes: ]
3) I'm really interested in what people have to say. I know what I think, but I've found many times that the majority don't think along the same lines as me. Its nice to know where our thoughts separate.

As to being converted or having opinions changed, Bonkey has convinced me of the error of my ways about three times. The rest of the time its a matter of throwing my hands in the air, and holding a resigned stance. :dunno:

so what if any is the purpose of political discussion among those without any power, whose numbers are limited, and the fact that few people beyond those who tend to post here will ever read our arguements anyway.

I think it of the ripple effect. Theres probably some scientific name for it. I don't know. People read here, form opinions, and leave with those opinions. They in turn let those opinions form a basis in their lives. For maybe 50% it doesn't matter, and the thought dies. The other 50% though, gets transfered to someone else. There might be a small[ish] reader/poster (I actually don't know the exact numbers that post/read these boards), but the potential of info/opinions being passed beyond boards is quite alot. (Speaking for myself, of course)

Mercury_Tilt

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