So I have quite a few friends that enjoy starting political debates on Facebook. I have to admit that sometimes, my voyeuristic side comes out and I really enjoy reading them. I try very hard to not get caught in the middle of these, but every once in a while...
So I posted a quote earlier that I thought was amusing having to do with NPR. I did not intend to start anything, and it didn't get super heated, but it made me realize how passionate people are when it comes to some things. I don't think that is a bad thing by the way, I think it is a good thing. Ensuring people have the right to express their views means that I also have the same right. What bothers me is when it gets out of hand.
This has not happened on my page, and I hope that it never does, but I know some people that used to go at it politically so much on Facebook, that they don't even talk anymore. Now, it's not like they were best of friends to start with, but they were at one point in time, (high school) friends. It would really concern me if someone stopped talking to me because of my political views that may occasionally show up on FB. I am so much more than my political views. I like music. I really like movies. And I may have a bit of an addiction (that I am managing) to video games. But back to FB. This is the same website that allows you to "poke" people, and if I remember correctly, you could even throw a sheep at someone. Is this really the place for serious debate? Seriously, I'm asking. Is it? If so, by all means let us debate. But be forewarned... I may end up throwing a sheep at you.
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7 comments:
Most of the debates aren't really debates. They are regurgitation of what the poster hears on TV which often time is useless misinformation...and thus you have two people going at it with equally useless misinformation. I would be saddened to think that someone would no longer be my friend over a quip on FB, but then it also astounds me what people are willing to say when they aren't saying it to your face or they just assume because you're friends you'll agree with their bigoted spew. And...you can't expect to post something as bold as that quote by Rep Weiner without having someone says something back about it! :-)
I am still trying to figure out the point of starting political discussions on facebook. Only a few things are for sure when you do:
A) People who think like you will publicly agree with you and give you warm fuzzies.
B) People who don't think like you will publicly disagree with you and might even get sassy, depending on the topic.
C) That's pretty much it.
I have never spoken with anyone who "changed their mind" about an issue because of something they read on facebook... but I know plenty of people who have gotten offended or angry at so called "friends." I have gotten burned and been "the burner," so to speak... and neither seem to be a good thing.
So I guess my question is, what's the point of doing it? Is anything positive being accomplished? Is actual progress being made? Or is it just another way to start relational fires all so you can "vent" or voice your concerns?
I don't know the answer. I, personally, stay far away from politics on good old FB. Actually I just deleted my FB account so I guess now it's irrelevant for me :) I have always struggled with this topic, myself- if FB is a good place to stand on a political soapbox and declare your thoughts/beliefs? Based on experience alone, I would say no. Political debate between friends and acquaintances always seems to be more civilized, well communicated and genuine when done face to face :) But that's just me.
Why not have political discussion on Facebook? I know people who discuss far more inappropriate things on FB. But I really don't care either way. I guess if two people on FB are hashing it out via comments, and it gets so out of hand that they decide not to be "friends" on FB anymore, then they probably weren't friends to begin with.
My point is, why isn't FB a place for serious debate? I admit that I probably wouldn't start a serious political debate via status message, but I can't knock someone who does - or call them crazy for making a serious political comment on the same website in which you can poke and throw things at your friends. There are some very legitimate discussions that occur on Facebook. And, when the occasion turns from intellectually stimulating 420 character posts to a steaming pile of doggy poo, there's Failbook!!!!
This reminds me of an interesting discussion about social networking etiquette that I recently had with my thesis adviser. How does someone handle the vexing task of juggling multiple circles of friends with equal access to your fb account?
I personally enjoy a good debate on politics and economics. Given my academic background (B.S. Business Econ, Minor and M.A. in Poli Sci, and starting a Ph.D. in Poli Sci in the fall), this should not come as a surprise.
My friends and associates in the Poli Sci world might not change our minds following such debates, but we always learn something. Fb assists in that process by allowing random debates that start in the computer lab to develop and mature online as positions become more clear and new facts are introduced. It also allows my Poli Sci friends that now live in Wash. D.C., NYC, and Rokstock, Germany to participate.
Now my friends from this circle can leave their competitive nature on the field. These debates will not end friendships, but actually make them stronger. How, though, do I handle the friends that will be offended by the nature of these discussions?
I think the biggest reason why not to have a debate via facebook is because it's too easy to say things that you wouldn't say to someone face. It's also impossible to be to convey sarcasm and irony as you might face to face. People also don't take the time to think through what they say or how they say it and often their grammar and their huge generalities make them appear dim. But I do have to say, if someone post something completely noxious, I'm most ready to jump in!
Since I can assume that I'm the target of at least part of this post, I'd like to share a few thoughts. First, you should know that this didn't start with Facebook; people have been arguing online since before the world wide web even existed. It can be difficult for many to realize that this is no longer the main purpose of the internet and that there are literally millions of people whose first experience with the "online forum" is Facebook. This certainly makes for an interesting mix of people. I am someone that frequently posts political commentary on Facebook. I know it irritates some people, and it probably upsets some people I'm friends with who have different religious and political outlooks on life than I do. I don't post anything with the expectation that someone will change their outlook on life because of it. I love to argue. I love debate. I think that too few people engage in reasoned, nuanced debate today and our world is much the worse for it. The idea that two people can't disagree on a subject and argue passionately from their point of view without becoming personally offended and emotionally reactive disappoints me but I realize that this is how it is. You should know that when I have chosen to sever Facebook "friendships" with people it hasn't had anything to do with arguments but instead it was because those people chose to attack me personally outside of the context of a debate.
There is another reason, however, that I choose to post politically and socially on Facebook. I have some 600+ people who are connected to me directly on Facebook and potentially thousands more that are likely to see what I might have to say based on indirect connections. The people I am connected to on Facebook run the gamut from "Auto Mechanic" to "Bishop" to "University President" and include individuals in their early teens as well as people well past the age of retirement. While I have no hope of changing someone's mind about abortion, the death penalty, or the existence of God I do believe that I have an opportunity to plant seeds in people's minds that might otherwise never have had any opportunity for growth. If a single person gives a second thought to some long-held belief because of something I said then I have done more than I ever hoped to do. I should add also that there is something life-affirming about connecting a small town business man and a university professor in a debate that otherwise could never have happened.
I guess all of this is to say that I do think there is he possibility of something positive coming out of these type of posts on Facebook and other forums.
Everyone has made some great points here, but I want to address Chris. Yes, this post was partially about you, but you were not the problem. I have always loved debating with you. I believe that heated, intelligent debate keeps our minds sharp. I would sometimes take the opposing view, even if I agreed with you, just for the sake of debate. Some people just can't hang. :) I just prefer debating in person where it is much easier to detect sarcasm. Until they develop a sarcasm font, I think I will avoid political debates that aren't face to face.
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