Why can't we just live and let live?

[Deleted472477User]

the recent debates over porn and MLP not to mention the huge amount of users who get banned daily for voicing rude opinions about mods they don't like have me wondering. Why can't we all just say "I hate that/am not into that but I will respect that you are"? why is this so hard? Why do human beings get their gears ground so easily over silly things like a children's cartoon or someone wanting to mod loli into Oblivion? Or more serious things like differences in politics, religions, or race?

 

There's tons of stuff I dislike. I can't stand Justin Bieber's music, but that doesn't mean I think the kid have his CDs burned. I also can't stand Twilight, or Laurel K Hamilton's work. Doesn't mean I think we should go all Fahrenheit 451 on them (though I think their fans might benefit by trying out some Ray Bradbury). I still think people have a right to like and do as they wish as long as no one else is being hurt.

 

That's the key: as long as no one is being hurt. I figure a few smart-asses will say "But X does hurt me just by existing! LOLOLOL." but we all know what i mean.

 

So, I guess this a two-parter: why do some people feel a need to dictate to others what they can like or do, and, Do we have the right to do as we wish as long as our obligations are met, we function in society, and no one is being hurt?

 

ETA: I like some stuff that while basically harmless and in some cases, cute, tends to raise some eyebrows. so I keep it under wraps, except amongst other fans/those who know me well. And even then, I'm not ON about it 24/7. I keep a balance, not because I'm afraid to be myself, but because I've learned that the hassles of dealing with people being jerks over it is too annoying to do otherwise.

Edited December 2, 2011 by nyxalinth

[Balagor]

I wonder too, why some want to dictates other. However I have no answer :smile:

[draconix]

I know a lot of people are indoctrinated at an early age into the belief that their beliefs are supreme, and that others are wrong and must be corrected. Others feel that they need to correct others beliefs for their own good, whether they want to believe in something or not. Why anyone would want that responsibility of dictating behavior is beyond me.

[greywaste]

I think a desire to "beat" or "lord over" others is sadly a fairly common trait. I see it quite often here, with posts preaching tolerance and equality often contain a veiled (or not so veiled) attack against opposing opinions too.

[Deleted472477User]

I think a desire to "beat" or "lord over" others is sadly a fairly common trait. I see it quite often here, with posts preaching tolerance and equality often contain a veiled (or not so veiled) attack against opposing opinions too.

 

I hope I didn't come across like that! Not my intention, and opinions are fine. But here's what I mean: browbeating someone WITH that opinion in order to get them to act as you would like is the problem, not the opinion itself.

[draconix]

Regarding the debates forum thuogh, I think it's important to note that is exactly what the forum is for, debating an issue, hopefully logically, hopefully to a conclusion. It shouldn't really be a fight per say, just a comparison of facts and ideas that people construct into an argument. Other people assist that person by pointing out it's flaws. This helps that person reconstruct their argument, or revise their position.

 

There's going to be some competition going on while people strive to be the first to come to a solid conclusion and bring others to their side of the debate. Anything else would be like going to a football game where the players just kind of stand around for a while. This forum is the arena, debating, the game.

 

However, when it comes to the real world where people are not an "arena," it's ludicrous for someone to try to impose their views on another.

[BlackRampage]

Unsure why people have so much trouble allowing differences in each other.

 

Mainly socio-environmental reasons I suppose. Especially peer pressure seems to be a main contributing factor.

 

Though some people just like to troll regardless of peer pressure or any other outside stimuli.

 

Do we have the right to do as we will so long as no one is harmed in the process?

Yes. Nevertheless everyone has their own interpretation of what they regard as harmful or acceptable.

Which is exactly why, for example; the Nexus has some very clear rules on what is regarded as acceptable and what is not.

 

Being able to do as you will also makes you 100 percent responsible for what you do. If one cannot bear such responsibility, then perhaps one should also not be fully allowed to do as one wills or at least face the consequences of one's actions.

Responsibility to the responsible I say.

[greywaste]

I think a desire to "beat" or "lord over" others is sadly a fairly common trait. I see it quite often here, with posts preaching tolerance and equality often contain a veiled (or not so veiled) attack against opposing opinions too.

 

I hope I didn't come across like that! Not my intention, and opinions are fine. But here's what I mean: browbeating someone WITH that opinion in order to get them to act as you would like is the problem, not the opinion itself.

 

Oh no! Not at all - was just an across the spectrum comment :) And yeah, I agree. An example of the kind of statement I meant : "People should respect each other and be tolerant, but why can't those bible thumpin' right-wing redneck filth treat people with respect like we do Huh??!!"

Naturally the situations can change, but I also agreed with what Draconix said in his post.

[Beriallord]

I think the notion, live and let live is a naive comment, and I will explain why.

 

Humans are competitive and judgemental by nature. Its always been like that and its hard coded in our brains to be that way. Suggesting the above is like asking why do humans fight and disagree with each other? Most people are comfortable with the way things are if the conditions are reasonable for the majority and will always resist change. Many groups of people we are being told to be tolerant to, are in fact intolerant of us. But they seem to get a pass on it. Complete and open tolerance, will just lead to intolerance in the end. Why is that? Because you can't tell people how to think. If you import a group of people into a nation that doesn't want to adapt to local culture and customs all you are doing in the end is importing segregation, and making society as a whole even more divided than it was previously. By doing so you are only sowing the seeds for disaster and social unrest in the future.

Edited December 2, 2011 by Beriallord

[Joshico]

"Why can't we just live and let live?" Because then the world would be dull, boring and indifferent and who wants that? Yes i suppose some ppl even I liked the idea of "perfect harmony" but ppl like to think they're right and your wrong, its our greatest strength in ruining mankind! :D But anyway like the guy above (or above above) said people are as some say it "brain-washed" at an early age and form some prejudice, etc. Its pointless and impossible to put your opinion to somebody elses. (like so many ppl has said)