interesting theory on subsim GT effects on life's views

[Freiwillige]

I'll say it. This forum makes you think....allot. That alone has had a profound effect on many of my stances on politics, life, etc. I feel that I have become more centered politically because guys like Mookie and Tribesman make me defend my views constantly and the effect of that is that I had to rethink non defend-able views. While we will probably never agree I want to say thanks for broadening my horizons. Sometimes digging in your heals just for the sake of digging in your heals just is not a good enough reason.

So has this forum opened anybody else minds a bit and slewed your opinions a bit more to the center?

[CCIP]

More than anything, I think it gave me reason to respect certain kinds of views that I don't necessarily agree with, which is already a great thing imo. It's also made me more alert of when I just need to cool it down and avoid pursuing a topic. I've always been fairly pragmatic on individual issues even when my overall views are pretty far out (i.e. far left). While GT has made me wary of what otherwise-reasonable people read or believe sometimes, it's also had its share of positives. GT is also just among a number of things that has been helpful in getting me to have a better understanding and respect for the world views of people from certain nations and/or walks of life that I wouldn't otherwise run into. For me it's people like Sailor Steve and Takeda whose posts I find most valuable for examining my views, because they're very good at using logic and common sense, and aren't looking for fights or scoring points on others - and their views are generally coming from a very different standpoint in life than my 'native' one which is good food for thought for me. IMO it's much easier to see the world from someone else's perspective when that person's logic is sound and their tone isn't meant to drive you up the wall or turn you off.

[the_tyrant]

Yes, I agree!
so to all my friends at subsim:

[mookiemookie]

Yes. It brings me back to debate class in high school where you'd get dinged for making personal attacks, logical fallacies, etc.

It really does make you examine your views. Good stuff.

[AVGWarhawk]

If anything the GT forums have a diversity of people with different ideals and experiences. Truth be told, speaking with those around the world has broaden my horizons 100 fold. The forums certainly makes one contemplate others outlook on events and life in general.

[Thunder]

Certainly has.
Further, for some of us who don't comment often, but are here most days, the "leanings" of many regular posters comes though (although just when you think you got em figured out, they throw a curve ball)

When discussions arise, with differing views, it is often a learning experience , with points and experiences allowing you to see the world through another's eyes.

Always interesting stuff.

[Herr-Berbunch]

Originally Posted by Freiwillige

I'll say it. This forum makes you think....allot.

Obviously not about any of Sailor Steves grammatical posts, unless 'allot' is just to wind him up

I think left/right/center these days, in Britain at least, is all a bit of a mish-mash. We've had Blair pretending to be Tory, Tories trying to be Liberals, and Liberals trying to be no so sat on the damn fence. That said, I do generally read quite a bit of what's written here - sometimes I look at the size of the block of text, and the auther, and think - nah! I also get bored the the constant (less so now) bashing of certain people/things - Obama for one, sure, I don't have to endure his policies, but I also don't have to endure his bashing/praise/bashing/praise...

So, I am generally right, but I look at the middle bit, and the left occasionally, whether it's through GT or R/L.