Quick to make judgement. (Irvington: live, stats, cities)

[sdweisman]

if people want to voice an opinion, and you disagree, then you have a right to debate them. that starts a discussion and then everyone can join. isn't that the purpose of this forum? to discuss, make observations, learn a little, teach a little? i would hope if i have a view of an area and it's not correct, someone would give me a good reason to change my view.
just my opinion. you don't have to agree...

[NJ07035]

Opinions are fine - everybody's got 'em.

I've just never been a fan of those holier-than-thou types who consistently push their misguided (and often incorrect) streotypes and knee-jerk reactions as gospel fact, rather than the opinon they truly have.

Case in point - I was at a middle school soccer game a few years ago, between the town I grew up in (and was still coaching many of the kids in soccer) - Team A - and the town I was (and still am) living in - Team B. I knew most of the parents on my 'alumni' town team (Team A), and stood near them during the game - just watching the kids I knew, not cheering.

Youth sports being what it is, there was a call on the field that Team B's parents disagreed with, loudly. One of the parents from team A got annoyed at their reaction, and ended his comments with "go back to your trailer parks - trash."

I called him on the last comment, asking if he realized I lived there now, and he said "yeah, but you grew up here; you're not one of them." So, now annoyed, I replied that my wife was born and raised there, as was her brother, my in-laws lived there for 40 years, etc., and asked if they were "trash." He stammered "no, but..." and embarrassed by being called out in front of other people, he walked away. I didn't raise my voice, but I did speak directly to him, firmly.

There are no trailer parks in my town, Town A AND B have similar flood issues and, ironically, this parent lived in what would be considered the 'poor' section of town, and would probably elicit the same reaction (if one wanted to do so) from half of the people in his own community, based upon perception.

My point is - opinions are fine, but broad brush strokes, and overtly exagerrated streotypes rarely lead to civil 'discussions' in a place like this. The one making the comment will rarley, if ever, be dissuaded from changing their opinion ("learn a little, teach a little"), and more likely wil begin a flame war to support their claims.

Those rarely end well, and usually only when the mod locks the thread.

[xmonger]

Originally Posted by lovesnj

Why are so many people quick to make judgement on a town when they don't live that particular town?

Somebody please help me to figure this one out.

....because everyone is entitled to their opinion (in theory).

If you disagree on anything that is said, your are free to argue your point of view.

[Obrero]

Originally Posted by lovesnj

Why are so many people quick to make judgement on a town when they don't live that particular town?

Somebody please help me to figure this one out.

Because every town is a run-down, trashy, slum ghetto compared to mine.

[sligogirl]

OP~

Statistics on crime, failing schools, are not opinions...

Best~ to everyone on your block !

Sligo

[doc1]

Originally Posted by zas

yes when you don't live there, pass through, visiting is not the same as living there

True.

However, I've never been to the moon but I could probably tell you quite a bit about it.

CD might not be the place for you if you can't handle peoples opinions about places.

[openheads]

Originally Posted by shannybannany

I'm sorry but last time I checked, we have the right to free speech. Why does one care? If you like your town...great! Enjoy it!

I will voice my opinion about a town if asked though...sorry, off you go!

Shanny

That was the most absurd justification I've ever heard.

[wileynj]

Originally Posted by tahiti

okey dokey then. are you serious?

I drove through Newark once... it sure is a beautiful city

[marye711]

Originally Posted by wileynj

I drove through Newark once... it sure is a beautiful city

Lol Wiley that was good............actually I was thinking of buying a getaway home in Irvington, heard there is alot of action!!

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by UKOK

Because every town is a run-down, trashy, slum ghetto compared to mine.

OK, this gets my vote for best answer. I'm not really sure that I get a vote because I live in the southern, scary, Piney section of the state.