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We had some very interesting discussions over the long Christmas weekend with the 21 people that stayed at my wife's family.
One thing that left an impression on me was the large number of people win 21st Century America who have incredibly unusual ideas, lifestyles, political perspectives, and ways of looking at the world.
In the mainstream world of general professional or college educated society I work in, of course people have different ways of looking at things, lifestyles and cultural norms, but in general I can respect and understand where they are coming from and have heard their perspectives before. But so many people I am meeting now days are just way out in left or right field. Their perspectives are extreme and I just don't understand how they come up with their ideas on things and choice of lifestyle or appearance.
Can "these extremes" be reasoned with? Should I even try to debate them? Is it a form of mental illness that they are so far removed from the ideas and lifestyles of the general public? Is it their loss or their gain or a sign of a successful society that people can survive and prosper economically and culturally with such extreme viewpoints, lifestyles and appearances?
Examples of the extreme beliefs would help make this a discussion. Right now I believe this is what you really wanted to write:
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Originally Posted by AHomeSeller
"These extremes" can't be reasoned with.
No one should even try to debate them.
I think it's like a form of mental illness that they are so far removed from the ideas and lifestyles of the general public.
I can't reconcile that people can survive and prosper economically and culturally with such extreme viewpoints, lifestyles and appearances.
Can "these extremes" be reasoned with? Should I even try to debate them? Is it a form of mental illness that they are so far removed from the ideas and lifestyles of the general public? Is it their loss or their gain or a sign of a successful society that people can survive and prosper economically and culturally with such extreme viewpoints, lifestyles and appearances?
Depends on your definition of extreme. Your extreme could be someone else's normal.
Beware of judging others by your own circle of lifestyle choices. You may find that you are actually in the minority. Statistics can be an interesting class.
I was amazed when I found out our state's low income and education %. I always assumed, from my circle, that it was much higher. We all tend to judge the world from our own limited perspectives.
The media has pushed the boundaries of what people feel they can blast others about. So many listen to radical radio and television and get their ideas from what "entertainers" or "preachers" or "others in power" say rather than investigating and developing their own ideas. Just listen to what is given time to when the general public calls into talk radio. Scary.
You will quickly find out who can debate an idea intelligently or who will just quote a TV or radio personality often using the exact same words over and over. It is wise not to try with those who immediately feel that a raised voice is all it takes to put their arguement forward or who quotes radio or TV personalities.
Here are some ideas that came from some interesting relatives which I found extreme:
A man who does not talk to anyone at any time unless he has to for work. He showed up and was there for the whole four days but did not say a word to anyone
A women who said America should open our borders to all and let anyone who wants to come in do so.
A man who has over 100 tattoos including a number on his face
A Grandmother who has never engaged her Grandchildren.
Another person who wants to completely dismantle Americas military
Another person who wants to nuke Iran and is convinced it would be a great idea and would have no real international implications.
Here are some ideas that came from some interesting relatives which I found extreme:
Alrighty then lets take a look-see shall we?
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A man who does not talk to anyone at any time unless he has to for work. He showed up and was there for the whole four days but did not say a word to anyone
Hmm, a bit on the antisocial side perhaps, but you'll find many of these types if you look for them.
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A women who said America should open our borders to all and let anyone who wants to come in do so.
Wouldn't say this is extreme, just an idealistic point of view that doesn't really consider the consequences of what she's saying.
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A man who has over 100 tattoos including a number on his face
A bit extreme, but there are plenty of people who have a large amount of tattoos if you find the right social circles.
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A Grandmother who has never engaged her Grandchildren.
Could be many reasons for this - maybe her son/daughter married someone she disapproved of. I'm sure this is quite common as more ethnic groups begin to intermingle and mix.
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Another person who wants to completely dismantle Americas military
Idealistic, yes, but the intentions might be noble. The military doesn't exactly have the best reputation after the two recent "wars".
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Another person who wants to nuke Iran and is convinced it would be a great idea and would have no real international implications.
I see many right wing posters with this ideology, but even I would consider it extreme.
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(DO YOU GET THE IDEA?)
I suppose they could be a bit extreme, but it seems more a combination of personality traits/idealism. I tend to go outside of my social circle and intermingle with strangers here and there - people are very diverse in general.
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