I thought about starting a new post on this theme but maybe this is the best spot for it. What has been on my mind for some time are the pros and cons of contributing to this site or others like it. I have been here a little since Christmas and overall have enjoyed myself. I've met some like-minded folks, had some great interchanges, and a few arguements but I figure that's to be expected.
This post could pee off a few folks and I thought about not writing it at all but in honor of my namesake "Uncle Rory" (the alcoholic relative with the big mouth) I figured I'd go ahead. And isn't that the joy of being on these sites? - anonymity.
What's on my mind is something that came out a few years ago. It was reported that in numerous studies of convicted sex-offenders - particularly child molesters, it was discovered that a large percentage of them were Star Trek fans or even devoted Trekkies. WOW. That's just sad.
Obviously the studies didn't conclude that Star Trek causes sexual deviance but rather that people with those predilictions were drawn to the Trek Universe.
So I was wondering - What impression would an outsider - a non-Buffy fan get of this community if they were to get on this site and read our posts? I would hate us to get that kind of bad press or give that bad impression.
We all type faster than we think at times - I've been guilty of it more than once. I've made a few friends on the site even though we don't see eye to eye and that's a good thing in my books.
So without pointing any fingers I wonder if anyone else has the nerve to suggest any overall change in attitude that would benefit us as a community and / or as individuals.
A few suggestions.
We need to be more tolerant, regardless whether the theme be race, religion, political belief, sexual preference etc. etc. That includes EVERYBODY, no one gets a pass because his ancestors 5 or 10 generations ago had their land stolen, were murdered, were turned into slaves or whatever. Racism or sexism or any ISM against a majority is just as bad against a minority.
We need to be more positive. By the looks of things here, the optimism of the 60's generation is DEAD.
We need to drop the RHETORIC that everbody is spouting and give OUR own opinions. Free speach and thought seem to be just DEAD.
(These are my opinions for a better Forum and Community and World - They are common sense, we sometimes break our own codes - God knows I've done it but then I try to extend the olive branch and make peace - Anything else leads to hatred)
Ok - I'll shut up now.
Uncle Rory