Politics... Why?

[KDawg]

I guess I just don't get it. I see so many people get worked up about politics and policy. Angry to the point of insulting others and pure rage.

I can understand a vested interest, but why do people let themselves get so embroiled into politics that they feel that slinging insults back and forth is the least bit productive or healthy? And why is it that people are expected to fit into a particular niche?

This is a serious question, for the record. I don't get it. I see people's stress levels go through the roof on seemingly a daily basis on ES, in the news, in the real life and I can't understand for the life of me why people do that to themselves.

Although, now that I'm thinking about it, I guess we as football fans kind of do something similar. We dislike other teams. We get upset when our team loses. A lot of us defend our team to the finish, even when our team is clearly in the wrong. So while being a fan and being involved in politics are similar, I still wouldn't qualify them as being the same.

*Readies his flame retardant suit and battons down the hatches*

[Jumbo]

Because every now and then people need a break from religion?

[Tulane Skins Fan]

I guess I just don't get it. I see so many people get worked up about politics and policy. Angry to the point of insulting others and pure rage.

I can understand a vested interest, but why do people let themselves get so embroiled into politics that they feel that slinging insults back and forth is the least bit productive or healthy? And why is it that people are expected to fit into a particular niche?

This is a serious question, for the record. I don't get it. I see people's stress levels go through the roof on seemingly a daily basis on ES, in the news, in the real life and I can't understand for the life of me why people do that to themselves.

Although, now that I'm thinking about it, I guess we as football fans kind of do something similar. We dislike other teams. We get upset when our team loses. A lot of us defend our team to the finish, even when our team is clearly in the wrong. So while being a fan and being involved in politics are similar, I still wouldn't qualify them as being the same.

*Readies his flame retardant suit and battons down the hatches*

In those cases, its usually because there is a mob mentality or a "group acceptance mentality" going on. People believe their group is right and everyone else is out to get them, or is otherwise dumb.

On the rare occasion though, I think there are things in politics that can rightfully make someone emotionally upset.

[Dictator]

I see this in my family. My parents...both retired. Watch almost exclusively Fox News. My brother and his wife. Both retired early. Both wach tons of Fox News. Fox news makes every issue seem like it would make/break this country. They repeat their mantra until their viewers believe it 100%. When I disagree with my family on matters of politics, they tell me I sound like a Liberal. Which I guess I am on a number of issues. But anyone who disagrees with them they view as a liberal. I'm quite conservative on many issues.

I can't speak to the fanaticism with people on the left. I don't have anyone I am close enough to that can help me understand those who are extremely left.

*In my non-scientific data analysis, I feel this way because it wasn't like this for my parents or brother before they retired and started watching an un-godly amount of FNC.

[D'Pablo]

It's the dichotomy of our political system. Issues don't matter, but rather if you're a rightie or leftie. This is the product of years of marketing. On the right, there is a weird feedback loop where if a conservative platform fails, it's because it was really liberal. Hence, the proper solution is to find a something further to the right.

On the left, social issues tend to get the better of people. There is very little consideration of opposing views, especially on the issue of poverty. To characterize every right leaning politician as unfeeling toward the poor, regardless of their policies, is to create a giant wedge. My conservative friends are the ones I most consistently saw building homes alongside me for Habitat for Humanity.

The proper solution is to focus on the areas where the left and right agree on the FACTS... This means addressing the following:

1. Unemployment
2. Poverty
3. Economic opportunity
4. Environmental factors affecting personal health (water, air, etc...)
5. National security

With respect to these issues, I'd much rather see a war of ideas than personality.

[twa]

i would say it is a result of politicians influencing our lives so much

lessen that and they would largely be ignored except for mocking.

[Kosher Ham]

I'm with you KDawg...

I don't get the whole mentality of taking it to the next level.

Glad I don't really feed into it that much.

[KDawg]

I mean, here's the other question I have in regards to politics...

If you live in a state that's not a swing state... And it's always the same... Why even bother with national politics? I live in New York. New York is democrat no matter what. So why get my boxers in a twist about different issues? New York isn't going to change for good or for bad.

[AsburySkinsFan]

Because policy and law matters....a lot.

[GibbsFactor]

You can't chose to be a democrat or a republican. It's your personality type. You can move towards the middle or be outraged by your party and move to another (recent Libertarian influx as an example).

But it's all about personality type and a board like this is perfect for discussing taboo issues like Politics and Religion. There is enough intelligent contributions and no one is getting punched in the mouth.

[elkabong82]

I used to be very wrapped up in it, and learned it is healthier to stay out of the fray and just maintain what you think is a logical approach to each issue. The more inelastic your views, the easier you can get caught up in things and also swallow what your party shovels. Non-affiliation is the best. When you have opinions that cross over to either side, instead of always lining up perfectly with your party (like a stooge), it is less easy to get wrapped up in everything, and when you do it will typically only be over issues you truly care about. Pragmatism is a healthier approach IMO.

[ixcuincle]

Was watching a twitter argument today between a friend and some stranger

It was hilarious how the stranger was dropping profanities and making hilarious accusations while my friend remained calm in his demeanor

The irate individual ended up blocking him

POLITICS IS SERIOUS BUSINESS

[NLC1054]

You can't chose to be a democrat or a republican. It's your personality type. You can move towards the middle or be outraged by your party and move to another (recent Libertarian influx as an example).

But it's all about personality type and a board like this is perfect for discussing taboo issues like Politics and Religion. There is enough intelligent contributions and no one is getting punched in the mouth.

Personally I think the political discourse on this forum is WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYY better than just about every other board I've ever attempted to talk about politics on. It gets heated, but ultimately, the things we argue about do matter.

We get worked up not because of left and right, but because the issues were arguing ultimately do mean something. I see a lot of people say "I just don't get politics" and I think it's for the very reason that they get annoyed with people arguing politics...but I think, as long as it's kept mostly respectful, it's mostly productive. And maybe you don't change your view point, but you learn something about the other side views the world, positive or negative.

Or maybe I'm entirely too idealistic. That's possible too.

[Stadium-Armory]

I want my kids to grow up in an environment that is 'better'.

[Jumbo]

I want my kids to grow up in an environment that is 'better'.

Off-planet?