Here we can all be heard for a little while. Part 3

Waves_and_Smiles

How do we all feel about this?

Politics is a very tricky subject but I don't want us to ban it from the thread, particularly as it is so relevant right now and people understandably have worries and concerns that could very much influence their mental health.

The only topic we have decided that isn't ok here other than those within the standard MSE rules is religion, that is not ok whether penguined or not because it can hurt others feelings very easily and cause people to feel very judged. As far as politics goes I think we can talk about it providing we are respectful that people will have different opinions.

So I figured it would be ok if we remember that it is fine to disagree with the political beliefs an individual might express but not make it personal to the poster. I know we have people here that have very different political leanings and as long as we all remember that everyone has a right to that and it is fine that they do, then we should be able to talk about it. I'd prefer if it we didn't say "I think you're wrong" and instead phrase in it in a way that says "I respect what you believe but for me it's like this", just be careful not to hurt anyone.

On the other side of the coin if someone disagrees with your own political stance I think we all need to look at whether it is meant personally or if it is just a disagreement about ideas (which we will all have over many things). It is also fine to say that hurt me or ask if the subject be changed if it feels too personal. If someone says that they don't wish to talk further about an issue then I think the subject should be dropped for the time being. As long as we respect each other and are aware of each others feelings there is no reason why we can't do this.

I do think we need to penguin political posts making it clear that there is politics inside the penguin so that people can avoid them if they wish. It could actually be good for all of us to consider that just because someone has an opposing political stance that they are still someone we relate to and like very much. I know I have learnt a lot from talking to people with different beliefs to mine and it has broadened how I see things.

What does everyone else think?

Lambyr

Well since I may be partly responsible for the topic coming up, I shall speak up and say I think your suggestions are fair.

Ordinarily I'd shy away from political topics but recently certain political issues are causing me some distress, and it's hard to talk about what's troubling me without talking about why.

But I don't wanna cause distress to anyone else so I'm still OK to step away for a bit if people would prefer those topics aren't brought up because I know they can inadvertently cause friction.

Pyxis

That's a very good point, WaS, and I agree.

After all, the current situation is a very extraordinary one, and one that won't be repeated, so it is inevitable that it will cause all sorts of worries for people.

I also think that penguining thoughts and feelings about it is a good idea. The big point to make is that if a penguin has a warning about what the penguin contains, then anyone that might be affected by the penguin knows to avoid it.

If a penguin has a warning, and people ignore that warning and choose to read the penguin, then it wouldn't be right to say it had upset them. Do you think?


May I also apologise for not penguining my worries yesterday, about the political situation. On reflection, I should have, but I was feeling very scared and depressed, and was not thinking straight.

Waves_and_Smiles

No need to step away, Lambyr! I am sure a lot of people's mental-well being is affected by the current political climate and this is a thread to discuss anything that might be causing us to feel upset and vulnerable. Sometimes, that will be political decisions.

Just penguin any political discussions and it make it clear that there is politics inside and as far as I am concerned we are good to go. Everyone here is lovely and I know no one would purposely say anything to offend anyone, as long as we all feel we can all say that we would like the discussion to stop if we feel uncomfortable and accept that people might have very different views to ours (which is fine, how boring if we were all the same) then I don't see a problem. We are all adult enough and lovely enough to be able to do this.

Torry_Quine

I think you've put it well WaS. It is a very unsettling time and having come through one referendum recently can understand it makes people anxious. This is where you should be able to come to express your feelings.

Waves_and_Smiles

Absolutely, Torry. Whatever way it goes it could cause people to feel vulnerable and I think it would be a shame if we stopped people speaking about that here. As long as something is penguined and clearly posted as being political then it's fine to stay, the only exception to this is religion which is not ok whether penguined or not because it really can hurt people to have their faith questioned and none of us want that.

Pyxis

Faerie.....just read your poem. It's beautiful and I'm leaking again!


It reminded me of when my dogs went. :A

It's a lovely poem.

Waves_and_Smiles

What a beautiful poem, Faerie. I felt just the same when my dear little cat died.

Waves_and_Smiles

If everyone else wants to give their opinion over the next couple of days (only if you want to, no pressure!) then perhaps we can put something in the etiquette talking about being able to discuss politics within penguins so any new friends can see what we have decided.

I'd appreciate it if we could all agree on something soon so that I can get off this soap box or whatever I'm standing on and hide back in the fort because I really don't do well at taking the lead. I am a quiet little thing who prefers to be at the back of the crowd! You should have seen me as a manager, I did it but oh, the personal anguish! :rotfl:

Solarjunkie

Just want to say thanks for all the birthday messages, they really helped on a low day.
This is an amazingly supportive place, WaS you really did good.