You said you have your own boundaries for these things that are tempered by your 'love of humanity' This relates back to the conversation we had the other night re you living by the slogan ' do as you will as long as it doesnt hurt anyone'..
it's not in direct reference to that AT ALL. although it may indeed cover the same ground in a different context.
I'll let you know where I'm at with this, which is thus:
I posted an image that you found offensive. I take responsibility for my words seriously [no matter what the context], so thought it warranted the time to explain a little about the context and let you know that I was aware of the multitude of issues that such an image could generate, and that I value and have an opinion on those issues.
I've answered some questions, and I've linked to another medium/video, made by people who have the intellect and creativity to express a similar viewpoint to mine, which deals with, and creates intelligent questions about the exact same issues the picture we're discussing does, but that does it in a much better, succinct and therefore more valuable fashion than i ever could
my standpoint on discussing serious issues, and matters
exceptionally close to my heart [which this particular topic is] is this:
I'm only willing to do so if I believe the people I'm engaging with have the capability, or
will to be open minded and genuinely learn about the subject matter. otherwise it's just pointless, a complete waste of time, and serves only to gratify the unbridled conviction of the participants present beliefs.
if I know my beliefs cannot be changed, I don't waste other people's time and bother to engage in debate or discussion about it - ultimately I value humans enough to not be that disrespectful, and I understand and know myself well enough to know when I'm doing that.
if I believe that someone with a differing opinion is not in the mindframe to fully consider and give due contemplation to information or viewpoints presented to them that contradict their own, I back away and choose not to engage. both out of respect for good discourse, and because I value my time. frankly, it's more productive to be doing something more positive, and that includes engaging in other comparably trivial pass times.
I regularly just drop of out a discussion, no last word needed, if i feel those engaging lack the skill, motivation or attitude to really take on board new info and digest it. [edit] and NO, 'taking on board' doesn't mean they are unable to be 'converted' to my viewpoint.
so, as of now, i'm vacating this non discussion. your mind is closed on the matter, and this is a pointless waste of my time, and ultimately I'll gain nothing from it [edit]nor will the subject matter be evolved anymore than it already is. I have zero issue with an opposing viewpoint, but I'm aware enough to know whether that viewpoint is fixed in the minds of those debating it, and thus whether it's relatively worthwhile or not trying to further discuss the subject matter. there are an infinite amount of other valuable commentators on the subject who share their knowledge in a way I find rational, accessible, and worthwile.
I'm out on this one
[/dragon's den etc etc]
