This place is toxic (not meant for anyone personally)

backseatLover12

That's all I'm going to say. I come on here and everyone's a cynic, bitching about the latest horror reality story… because people refuse to stop paying attention to the fucked up media. Yes, the world is loaded with lunatics. But this place is focused on the lunacy rather than the possibilities of greatness, let alone just good news for a change.

That is all.

unsung

Good news doesn't sell.

backseatLover12

That response solidifies my point of view. I'm not looking for reasons or excuses, just an observation at how small people tend to think, what they pay attention to (whatever the media is selling) and what they want to talk about. See through the wool covering your eyes. Recognizing that your gov't is succeeding by keeping you asleep? That should be enough to wake people up. But they don't. That would require work and energy.

unsung

Solidifies your point? That's funny.

I was actually agreeing with you, I'll be clearer next time. I did not intend on confusing anyone.

Cosmo

I think we have a tendency to delve deeper in the issues at the root of these news item.
For example, look at how we debate the gun/mental health issue. There are some solid points made on both sides of the question. The news item is simply the catalyst to start the debate.
I think it forces us to look further than the 2 minutes the newrooms sell us.
...
I think some of the best discussions occur here.
...
Besides, i already know which picture of Eddie is the sexiest.

hedonist

I think the word toxic might be a bit much.

Maybe you've missed some of the threads and posts here? - whether on the positive, or as mentioned, constructive discussions on heavier issues (at least, to me - I've certainly learned much from those whom I consider logical, respectful, etc).

I don't know, but calling people small and essentially blind, and opening the "everyone is this" door doesn't really help your cause.

What happened to "be the change you want to see"?

Anyway, I'm with Cos...and I bet we both know which Ed photo is the dreamiest.

unsung

Yeah, you'd think that if someone were to complain about a place being toxic that they actually wouldn't contribute to it in their very next reply.

backseatLover12

Sheesh. Did I accuse any of you who responded? It was a general overview - of the entire culture in this country, let alone in this forum. Way to take things personally. (I apologize for saying that the forum is toxic). And thanks unsung, for clarifying your second post.

Yes, there are great discussions here, I've been a part of them. But there's a definite trend. A negative one, where the consensus discusses the media events… which are always bad news, and focuses on the lunacy of our culture. Not to mention, that even when people know that the mainstream media is controlled to the point that we only hear what Washington wants us to, we still lick it up.

I'm just at that phase, where the TV gets thrown out, my phone gets turned off and getting away from the toxicity known as American society, is necessary. I'm not interested in the latest gun story. The more attention we give to the lunacy? The more deeply troubled we are as a culture, not to mention giving killers a reason to do it (attention, glorification, media sensation). Because nothing's changing.

hedonist

Hey, I'm not offended - I don't know you well enough to be - though your posts didn't come across as general at all. Words / phrases like everyone, small-thinking-people, etc. spoke for themselves to me.

Anyway, given that the forum is related to politics, current events and the like - much of which is negative - isn't it better to try and find a way to better things - if not only ourselves - through discussions and ideas?

Venting some doesn't hurt either. It's healthy, even.

I hope we can figure out WHY the lunacy, rather than throw up our hands and walk away from it (though I'll agree that there's nothing like a good break from it all).

jmuscatello

hedonist said:

Hey, I'm not offended - I don't know you well enough to be - though your posts didn't come across as general at all. Words / phrases like everyone, small-thinking-people, etc. spoke for themselves to me.

Anyway, given that the forum is related to politics, current events and the like - much of which is negative - isn't it better to try and find a way to better things - if not only ourselves - through discussions and ideas?

Venting some doesn't hurt either. It's healthy, even.

I hope we can figure out WHY the lunacy, rather than throw up our hands and walk away from it (though I'll agree that there's nothing like a good break from it all).

This is how I feel about it too. Just interesting to see how other people think, and how people can view the same events so completely differently. Seems healthy to discuss some controversial topics in an unfiltered way, no real social ramifications... not necessarily the topics I'd discuss with friends or neighbors. And yes, a good break from it is always healthy too....

Cosmo

What I think all Americans need to do is come to the understanding that there is a huge difference between News (Journalism) and OpEd (viewpoints). We need to understand that just because the News and OpEd Cable programs look alike.. they are not alike. Journalism is just stating the facts of events without any bias... whereas OpEd is just that, Opinion/Editorial.
The other thing we need to understand... the person that disagrees wth your opinion is not your enemy. He is simple someone who's point of view is different from yours. Whether it is guns or abortion or religion or politics... it is just a differing view.

JWPearl

Its good to talk about the chaos about us like someone mentioned because it makes us better people somehow I think, but I also agree a change is good too, I like talking about positive things as well it good to get away from the negative drag, and give us a reason to sleep at night, if you will..

Annafalk

I would like to have more examples of how we could get less toxic then the media gives us the information of what's happening in the world and we bring some of it up for discussion..
Maybe we could come up with more ideas of our own, like how do we make the world better place and other subjects...
Excuse me I'm just thinking loud here..

brianlux

backseatLover12 said:

That's all I'm going to say. I come on here and everyone's a cynic, bitching about the latest horror reality story… because people refuse to stop paying attention to the fucked up media. Yes, the world is loaded with lunatics. But this place is focused on the lunacy rather than the possibilities of greatness, let alone just good news for a change.

That is all.

I try to avoid mainstream media but never-the-less a lot of what I read is heavy news or disturbing information. This is the second time this week a good and bold person has reminded me (and I don't mind viewing this in a personal light) that it is unhealthy to focus only on the toxicity of the world we live in. Thank you for that, backseatLover12.

My brother sent me a little note once about 20 years ago when I was in the thoes of despair. I don't remember the exact wording off hand but basically it was this:

"The world is gasoline and fire, but we can get through it. You're cool, I'm cool. Cool."

Another bit of wisdom thrown at me was from a prof I worked with. She said, "If a wolf is away from the pack for any length of time, when it returns the others lick it's face and it licks their faces in return."

Maybe we should at least figuratively lick each others faces now and then and to remind ourselves that much of life is good. We might try posting more things here that are what Edward Abbey called "anitdotes to despair" rather than just keep laying on more ugliness. Maybe we we can show more love and/or care and/or concern for each other. I'm surely as guilty as anyone here for adding to the toxicity. Good call, backseat.

i_lov_it

I think using the word Toxic is a little bit too far...The Topics and Articles opens this Place up for some Good...Healthy debating and to voice your own Opinion and Yes the Media in Particular tend to Focus on the Negatives rather then the Positives because as Unsung said Good News doesn't sell.

Byrnzie

if you think this place is toxic, I take it you weren't around in 2006-2009? Here's one example of how things usually panned out back then: http://community.pearljam.com/discussion/109683/why-hitler-failed

Thirty Bills Unpaid

Byrnzie said:

if you think this place is toxic, I take it you weren't around in 2006-2009? Here's one example of how things usually panned out back then: http://community.pearljam.com/discussion/109683/why-hitler-failed

Call me a loser, but I scanned through that thread.

Dunkman nailed it: Hitler failed because of his wee moustache.

Last-12-Exit

This place is not toxic. It's entertainment. And you pay for it. I do agree that the media has to try and get every nonsensical detail on every horror story that happens and the public eats it up. But this place, this forum, is far from toxic.

cincybearcat

This place can certainly be toxic, but it can be great to. And you don't get to decide what people post about. If you don't like it, don't participate. If you are into the discussion, contribute.

brianlux

Cincy, if the OP doesn't get to decide what people post about do we get to decided who does and does not participate? I agree this place is great at time (otherwise I wouldn't waste my time here) but I also agree that it can be very negative at times (especially lately) and I support the OP's right to participate by saying "this place is toxic".

hedonist

I think any comment (within the given guidelines) should be put out there, but with the caveat that there will be responses, some which may or may not be disagreed with.

It comes with the territory and is one of the things I dig about this place.

Different strokes.

PJ_Soul

I don't think this place is toxic. It's great to see debate and discussion about whatever people are wanting to discuss. If these conversations turn into disagreements, great. That's often when the really interesting points are made. This kind of conflict is okay. It's healthy. I never understood why so many people seem so scared of it. Yes, there are a lot of shitty things happening in the world all the time. But a forum where these things can be discussed and debated and interpreted is a place where people come together for a common purpose whether they have the same opinions or not. That seems the opposite of toxic to me. Giving up out of frustration and ignoring difficult issues in society and in the world just to avoid potential conflict seems kind of unhealthy though, and if that attitude spreads then we really are all fucked...... but I too agree that taking a break from it once in a while is a good idea!

Really i think some good advice that we've seen over and over is "don't let it get to ya!"

cincybearcat

brianlux said:

Cincy, if the OP doesn't get to decide what people post about do we get to decided who does and does not participate? I agree this place is great at time (otherwise I wouldn't waste my time here) but I also agree that it can be very negative at times (especially lately) and I support the OP's right to participate by saying "this place is toxic".

Not my intention. My intention was to give him a tool to help deal with the "toxic" environment here.

If you hate something....why would
You want to be a part of it?

backseatLover12

Hey Brian - Thanks for understanding.

And on that note, I'm outta here. Not taking a break, ending the membership. Moving on. Finding bluer skies. Where people aren't so negative. One last thing to say: I came close to death once, and it's changed my perspective on life since. When you're that close to the end, you realize how beautiful life really is, how lucky we all are. I can't let petty topics get me down any longer. Greener pastures.

Good luck everyone arguing current topics brought to you by Big Media. (because the media's stating the truth to the masses, ).

Oh, and if anyone really cares about what I was talking about above, actually talking about ideas, solutions, possibilities… what a different place this would be if more of that happened. I've tried, but god knows that it's the negative threads that get much more replies and attention. Keep talking 'bout those guns!

chadwick

yeah... um
well
i have a opinion on a lot of fucking stuff & that does not mean i am correct or incorrect for whomever else but i will say something

i fucking dislike many things about american society. this country here is a fucking nightmare on wheels & it is growing at a rate that is programming & killing us.

the simple truth is many countless millions are blind & deaf to it all

toxins? fuck yes america's bullshit culture (if i can even call this a culture) is poison. look around & we are dying both slowly & rapidly. the educated may not be wise. the educated may be weakened. the educated may be completely useless with zero spirituality.

?heart
who has fucking heart?

i have removed myself from 'mainstream anything' many moons ago. the herd is over there ----->
i'm in a different hemisphere altogether, therefore i can barelly function in this
fractured headache cluster

i admire the following: artists, buddhists & hindu monks, yogis, gurus, shamans, norse barbarians, selflessness, water, air, dirt, fire, directions, wind, grass, trees, all living & extinct creatures & that is about it. everything else is nothing. a lot of people are tolerated but not my cup of tea as they generally bring me down or do not add something wonderful to the sparkle that surrounds us, that makes up what we are... & i am very easily impressed & sensitive to others & their energies

sensitive to peoples' energies
sensitive to people
sensitive

yeah this society gets under my skin in a quick hurry

is this debating section of the forum leaching toxics into ourselves? are we creating these poisons? yes. what we read is imprinted into our minds. what we write negatively here is creating toxics for all once read, discussed & whatnot

meditate nicely to removed bullshit

oh... & brains or mental & physical disabilities... i like someone who has busted their buns, overcame difficulties & sits calmy under tree doing absolutely nothing & is ecstatic reveling in silence

the malls down the way & across this land can all burn to the ground for all i care

love, calmness, respect
how about being great parents & great roll models for our young people
this is needed
even adults need mentors

it may read like im a dick
i am
life is struggle

one day (yours & my) epic battles in this existence will be eased & rewards will fly

brianlux

Are we maybe missing a good point the OP is (was, now that that person has left) making? I think so. I know I haven't been on here as long as some of you but in my time here I have sensed a greater over-all negativity. I can see a good argument for saying that calling this place toxic is a bit of an over reach but sometimes it takes some accentuating of a point to get that point across. Another indicator worth thinking about is found by just looking at how many people have dropped put of here. I often get the sense that it's just the handful of us die-hards who keep showing up here. If it's such a great place then why is it so goddamn empty around here lately? I think we'd do well to at least try to make it better again. We really could do with a few more positive stories.

You know, I've been around activist off and on most of my adult life and people who really, I mean really, dig into current events and are action oriented have more fun than people who just sit around and grouse. I know, I've done both.

hedonist

I think perception may play a part here. Most people I've come across in this forum don't grouse. We discuss and yes - given the topic, it may not be light, and it may become heated.

That's not necessarily negative.

And, I think many left when the format changed (many threatened to as well, Mr. Lux! ).

I started a thread awhile back about good stories and shit. It fell pages back.

Big deal! We know this forum isn't the world.

Those "keep faith in humankind" stories are always there; it's incumbent upon us to see them and then go from there.

hedonist

So, been listening to some live PJ tonight, mostly the NY 2010 show, and had a mini-epiphany.

This music so reflects us, all of us, in its beauty and conflict and passion and harshness, and lovely simplicity.

Rats
Push Me Pull Me
Given to Fly
Present Tense

It's a path and the crossroads are needed.

As are those we meet along the way.

Annafalk

backseatLover12 said:

Hey Brian - Thanks for understanding.

And on that note, I'm outta here. Not taking a break, ending the membership. Moving on. Finding bluer skies. Where people aren't so negative. One last thing to say: I came close to death once, and it's changed my perspective on life since. When you're that close to the end, you realize how beautiful life really is, how lucky we all are. I can't let petty topics get me down any longer. Greener pastures.

Good luck everyone arguing current topics brought to you by Big Media. (because the media's stating the truth to the masses, ).

Oh, and if anyone really cares about what I was talking about above, actually talking about ideas, solutions, possibilities… what a different place this would be if more of that happened. I've tried, but god knows that it's the negative threads that get much more replies and attention. Keep talking 'bout those guns!

I also think it's great with positive threads and I would like everyone to have a good feeling coming to this forum even if we also can talk about serious matters or just anything between the earth and the sky..

Byrnzie

chadwick said:

yeah... um
well
i have a opinion on a lot of fucking stuff & that does not mean i am correct or incorrect for whomever else but i will say something

i fucking dislike many things about american society. this country here is a fucking nightmare on wheels & it is growing at a rate that is programming & killing us.

the simple truth is many countless millions are blind & deaf to it all

toxins? fuck yes america's bullshit culture (if i can even call this a culture) is poison. look around & we are dying both slowly & rapidly. the educated may not be wise. the educated may be weakened. the educated may be completely useless with zero spirituality.

?heart
who has fucking heart?

i have removed myself from 'mainstream anything' many moons ago. the herd is over there ----->
i'm in a different hemisphere altogether, therefore i can barelly function in this
fractured headache cluster

i admire the following: artists, buddhists & hindu monks, yogis, gurus, shamans, norse barbarians, selflessness, water, air, dirt, fire, directions, wind, grass, trees, all living & extinct creatures & that is about it. everything else is nothing. a lot of people are tolerated but not my cup of tea as they generally bring me down or do not add something wonderful to the sparkle that surrounds us, that makes up what we are... & i am very easily impressed & sensitive to others & their energies

sensitive to peoples' energies
sensitive to people
sensitive

yeah this society gets under my skin in a quick hurry

is this debating section of the forum leaching toxics into ourselves? are we creating these poisons? yes. what we read is imprinted into our minds. what we write negatively here is creating toxics for all once read, discussed & whatnot

meditate nicely to removed bullshit

oh... & brains or mental & physical disabilities... i like someone who has busted their buns, overcame difficulties & sits calmy under tree doing absolutely nothing & is ecstatic reveling in silence

the malls down the way & across this land can all burn to the ground for all i care

love, calmness, respect
how about being great parents & great roll models for our young people
this is needed
even adults need mentors

it may read like im a dick
i am
life is struggle

one day (yours & my) epic battles in this existence will be eased & rewards will fly

=D>

brianlux

^^^ Yeah, I agree, with Byrnzie. Chadwick, your of man of words and the words are what you are. Straight up, no nothing on the fence. Gotta respect that.