Post #697279 by LostIsland on Wed, Oct 23, 2013 6:40 PM

Well said Sven!!

It too often seems that tolerance takes a back seat when confronted with differing viewpoints. If the internet has accomplished anything it's bringing this fact to light. It is truly disheartening to see such unnecessary animosity and drama. I've used this forum for years and have seen all matter of childish, abusive and pathetic behavior. I don't know too many folks on here personally, so I would never pretend to know someone well enough to define or label them. I also don't know what past issues and events might be fueling folks animosity. What I DO know though, is that differing opinions or viewpoints is about the worst reason to disparage someone.

I have also seen some great things on this site, and talked to some good folks. It just seems like a shame to allow pettiness to pollute the waters here at Tiki Central. We can all disagree about whatever, what difference does it make? Who cares? Homogenized thought does not enhance or increase knowledge, in fact it has quite the opposite effect. I'm much more interested in the motivation behind beliefs and opinions that I don't share. I don't want to convert anyone, but rather understand why they feel the way they do. In putting effort towards understanding others, we often find that we end up better equipped to understand ourselves as well as our relation to the world in general.

Sorry about the rant...

-Derick