tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post7687206090328116338..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: Talking About DisagreementBrian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-6381331542890949962019-04-06T16:03:47.632-04:002019-04-06T16:03:47.632-04:00Hi Jane - I agree, I find it best when people have...Hi Jane - I agree, I find it best when people have open discussions. Disagreement should arise naturally as a part of a bigger conversation. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28257120855798233532019-04-06T15:46:11.858-04:002019-04-06T15:46:11.858-04:00I enjoy discussions but avoid arguments, sometimes...I enjoy discussions but avoid arguments, sometimes they are inevitable but they rarely result in positive outcomes. On the other hand, a discussion involving differing views is healthy and stimulating.<br /><br />Interesting post.JaneGShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11094501834387622997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-785197697324639082019-04-01T14:26:41.551-04:002019-04-01T14:26:41.551-04:00Hi Andrew- It is true, going on this blogs of othe...Hi Andrew- It is true, going on this blogs of other folks can be tricky. I only do that with folks that will disagree with me here and I know do not mind.<br /><br />The blogging community is so much better with disagreement then other platforms. I actually find that comment sections on our blogs are really good because they allow for so much space. With that I agree, there is nothing like an entire post where one can carefully lay out a position with nuance. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-60261437743525359582019-04-01T11:18:37.306-04:002019-04-01T11:18:37.306-04:00Hi Brian
Very interesting post! I never shy away ...Hi Brian<br /><br />Very interesting post! I never shy away from discussing political or other controversial issues on my blog, but I do often shy away from engaging with other bloggers when I disagree with something they've posted on their site. I find it can be quite hard to disagree in a constructive way in a blog comment, especially when the disagreement is quite fundamental. Sometimes I feel as if it would need almost a whole post within a comment, and that feels like quite a lot to put up on someone else's blog (plus it would take a long time), so I often take the easy route and avoid conflict. But on my own blog, where I have the space and time to develop ideas in a full post, I'm like you and I express what I want to express, and I welcome respectful disagreement. Luckily I haven't had a lot of harassment or abuse, and I haven't seen much on other book blogs—it seems to be more prevalent on social media (and in the comment sections of political articles, as WG mentioned).Andrew Blackmanhttps://andrewblackman.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-66860542503672918182019-03-31T14:18:37.543-04:002019-03-31T14:18:37.543-04:00Thanks Judith. Disagreement within a community can...Thanks Judith. Disagreement within a community can ruffle feathers. I can imagine what goes through the minds of fellow bloggers. I see so much diversity of views . I also welcome disagreement. I am used to it with my family and friends. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-37096342292598734952019-03-30T14:23:15.288-04:002019-03-30T14:23:15.288-04:00Hi Brian,
I thought that this was a very thorough ...Hi Brian,<br />I thought that this was a very thorough discussion of the subject and I thank you for taking the time to clearly and completely express your thoughts on this issue. <br />I think it's very difficult to be within any community (the book blogging community being just one example) where one feels one can't express certain facts as well as opinions, because they run counter to others. Several bloggers I have known for a number of years have expressed that they feel this way, and I have felt it at times. <br /><br />I personally welcome disagreement. I want people to have other opinions than mine, and correct me if my facts are inaccurate, and if they do they are not going to hurt my feelings, which I'm afraid many people who hold back their comments are afraid of. <br /><br />I have an academic background, so I'm used to exchanges of differing views, but many people fear it. Judithhttps://readerinthewilderness.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-28265066923450815152019-03-28T04:30:22.826-04:002019-03-28T04:30:22.826-04:00Thanks so much Baili. I also have a burning need ...Thanks so much Baili. I also have a burning need to speak out. Speaking ones mind can risk one’s life for some. I also appreciate your thoughtful comments that you have left here. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-86728887614301224122019-03-28T04:06:02.089-04:002019-03-28T04:06:02.089-04:00Hi Laurie - Obviously there are a bunch of issues ...Hi Laurie - Obviously there are a bunch of issues with social media. On the other hand, there was a time when people were imprisoned and subject to violence over opinions. I realize that still goes on in some places but I think it is a lot less common worldwide. There are also a lot more chances to express oneself now. So I think that despite the problems, we are heading in the right direction. Sometimes it is a step back for every step forward. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-38974899228390262702019-03-28T03:59:15.758-04:002019-03-28T03:59:15.758-04:00Powerful post indeed dear Brain!
i hardly go to a...Powerful post indeed dear Brain!<br /><br />i hardly go to another book review blog <br />it is not because i don't like them but i find your neutral way of thinking very compelling <br /><br />they way you present your thoughts in such precise and powerful manner is so hard to resist <br /><br />i never hesitate to speak truth because i am not clever enough to hide it nor i want to be one <br /><br />i can speak out my mind even at the risk of my life (i know this sounds loud and foolish( but that is me simply<br /><br />i am glad you posted this today ,this is very honest and genuine what you said here<br /><br />will be looking forward for more of your strong head my friend!<br />stay blessed! bailihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06498012175058870980noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-80665241300683228622019-03-27T22:57:10.434-04:002019-03-27T22:57:10.434-04:00We have developed an inability to talk to each oth...We have developed an inability to talk to each other. I often wonder where and how this is all going to end? Or how it can get better? Social media has changed so much about the way people with opposing opinions talk to each other. Because we can confront people anonymously, we let loose with everything we have. How do we stop this? I hope someone has an answer.Laurie @ RelevantObscurityhttps://relevantobscurity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-45603156877146740892019-03-27T19:50:12.470-04:002019-03-27T19:50:12.470-04:00Thanks Susan - I have certain rules about politics...Thanks Susan - I have certain rules about politics and social issues. I try to criticize ideas and actions and not people or groups of people. I also think poliltics and other opinion should logically meld with the topic. That I think is the sensitivity thing. <br /><br />America is divided. Folks all over the world disagree on many things. I really have folks from all over the world commenting here. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-78052633635979124312019-03-27T16:52:16.717-04:002019-03-27T16:52:16.717-04:00I like the topic of your post Brian. Even when I ...I like the topic of your post Brian. Even when I recently reviewed Michelle Obama's memoir, I felt I had to go a bit gentle or easy about saying I was a fan of the Obamas & their politics, though I did write that. People who visit my blog know where I stand by now, but I don't feel I want to put my politics in other's faces. After all it's not a political or religious blog or anything like that. Still when I review books I try to air my opinions in sensitive ways, which it seems like you do too. Still it wouldn't be my blog if I didn't air my own thoughts. I'm okay with disagreement too in the comments. The country is so divided. thecuecardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08870323589682197091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-43985770448282629572019-03-26T12:07:44.574-04:002019-03-26T12:07:44.574-04:00Hi Stephanie - The issue of people digging in and ...Hi Stephanie - The issue of people digging in and arguing just for the sake of arguing is a real one. I actually think that Washington was a civil place. Trump has ruined that. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-36053339667551356142019-03-26T11:43:31.938-04:002019-03-26T11:43:31.938-04:00Well said! It seems like these days we have forgot...Well said! It seems like these days we have forgotten that we can disagree with each other and still get along. We have also forgotten how to disagree respectfully, how to listen to other opinions and how to be willing to change our own opinions. It is not a comfortable thing to admit we might be wrong so we dig in our heels and defend our opinion no matter what. And of course our current president and "leaders" are not setting the best example.Stefaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14943596258182968212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-23026046537382532702019-03-25T08:13:27.829-04:002019-03-25T08:13:27.829-04:00I think it can be easier to disagree with loved on...I think it can be easier to disagree with loved ones because we do share some areas of commonality. That softens the arguments, or gives us areas we can retreat to and just avoid the controversy. When the disagreements can't be overcome, it's incredibly bitter and painful and those relationships often don't survive.<br /><br />But can we learn to love people with whom we have absolutely nothing in common? And along with that love find a greater commonality, a higher understanding through which one side does not seek to subdue or control the other? I think that's the real challenge. It's a big one.Loryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08519976394732029323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-18992391819111801162019-03-25T07:52:46.465-04:002019-03-25T07:52:46.465-04:00Thanks Paula - I think even fairly popular opinion...Thanks Paula - I think even fairly popular opinions often bring disagreement. Taking an unpopular opinion is even more difficult. I think that most of my college commenters are open to a diversity of opinion. I think that some bloggers still shy away from controversy. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-9591011849886368672019-03-25T07:46:43.737-04:002019-03-25T07:46:43.737-04:00Thanks Carol - The issue of public figures and oth...Thanks Carol - The issue of public figures and others being unfairly attacked and the subsequent fear of expressing opinions is the subject of Blackford’s book. I will be discussing that more in an upcoming post..Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-22104711381237501632019-03-25T06:50:05.439-04:002019-03-25T06:50:05.439-04:00Important ideas, Brian & thanks for raising th...Important ideas, Brian & thanks for raising this. We've just had a State election here & the week beforehand a comment made by the Opposition leader on immigration (last year, I think) was aired. He lost & it's been said that it was his comment that brought him down. We were discussing how the media latch on to random or spur of the moment comments that people, leaders especially, make. I didn't vote for him for other reasons, but I often think it's ridiculous how a person's career can be destroyed by this predatory behaviour. There are certain topics that you just don't discuss in politics because we can't have a reasoned discussion on them. It's all emotional & knee-jerk reactions & I think that's a real problem.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06820925595506920754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-25522689828021635772019-03-25T02:52:21.221-04:002019-03-25T02:52:21.221-04:00What a good discussion. It's a great challenge...What a good discussion. It's a great challenge to try and express a possibly unpopular opinion. I'm a pacifist by nature and have felt nervous about expressing points of views that others might not wish to hear. But I realised that I still enjoy reading well expressed points of view that disagree with my own opinions. So when it comes to those of us who review and discuss books, it's nice to think that we're all unanimous on this one issue, at least. In fact, trying to get our heads around arguments that we disagree with might be good for us. Paula Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02079952414990463270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-35479238944877107492019-03-24T20:13:03.666-04:002019-03-24T20:13:03.666-04:00Hi Naida - I agree the workplace is not the place ...Hi Naida - I agree the workplace is not the place for these discussions. I also have agreed to disagree with many of my family and friends. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-58587211039004447092019-03-24T20:11:09.078-04:002019-03-24T20:11:09.078-04:00Hi R.T. - Incivility in our national government is...Hi R.T. - Incivility in our national government is indeed becoming worse. I will say that both Barack Obama and George W. Bush were both exemplary in their civility. I hope that we can get back to that. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-82130612271234549102019-03-24T20:07:34.940-04:002019-03-24T20:07:34.940-04:00Hi Lisa - The book blogging community is indeed ou...Hi Lisa - The book blogging community is indeed outstanding. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-62243532350555441562019-03-24T20:06:03.641-04:002019-03-24T20:06:03.641-04:00Thanks Sharon – We have our disagreements but we a...Thanks Sharon – We have our disagreements but we actually agree on a lot. Part of the disagreement thing I think is the fact that we are both willing to actually discuss disagreements. <br /><br />Sorry to hear about the name calling and personal attacks. It is completely uncalled for. I do see the problem on both sides. I think that the worst of the right and the left tend to do act badly in different ways. When I post about Blackford’s book I will have more to say. <br /><br />The troll – wolf thing really made me laugh :) You too have always been respectful. One problem that I see with Facebook is a lot of these memes that people post seem to be designed mostly to antagonize the other side. Social media really can get terribly aggravating. <br /><br />Have a great week. <br />Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-34749690716112217982019-03-24T20:04:18.220-04:002019-03-24T20:04:18.220-04:00From your blog to Washington’s ears ..... well, I ...From your blog to Washington’s ears ..... well, I can dream ....RTDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17113953356514605424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-71331722912188472272019-03-24T19:52:26.272-04:002019-03-24T19:52:26.272-04:00Hi James - My main point was that it is OK to disa...Hi James - My main point was that it is OK to disagree and that it should acrimony. More to come. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.com