Is Political Opinion a Reason to Block Someone Here?
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
Canada
January 5, 2016 11:49am CST
When writing on sites like this, I usually avoid writing posts on politics and on religion, though I am a person who has very strong and deep feelings and opinions in both of these areas. I don't think it helps to spout opinions that will push people away. I do comment honestly, however, when someone else raises these issues. I try not to say things just to get a reaction, but I do think some things need to be said. I have many friendships with people who believe differently from what I believe is true. I also have many family members who hold a very different understanding of the world than mine.
When someone does bring up these subjects here on MyLot, I take that as an invitation to people here to have a discussion. An honest discussion. I don't always take the writer up on that invitation, but when I do, I comment honestly.
I recently visited a post about some safe subject written by someone here who has a different opinion from mine concerning the US election. He must have gotten angry at something I've said. I don't think I've ever been offensive to him or his ideas, but I've noticed recently that I can no longer comment on his discussions. No big loss. There are lots of others here of a variety of opinions who are happy to have a conversation with me. Life is like that. Not everyone wants to get along. But maybe I'm jumping to conclusions. Does being able to read but not able to comment on a discussion mean you've been blocked?
As I've said, it's not that big of a deal. I was once in high school and know how people can sometimes be. I can't imagine blocking someone with a different opinion from mine, but I realize everyone doesn't feel that way. Offensive, ugly comments deserve to be blocked, but not differences of opinion.
32 people like this
35 responses
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
5 Jan 16
I guess people will block any one for any reason just because they can. There are a few I thought about blocking but what the heck, everyone is entitled to his/her opinion. I also avoid religion and politics 99 percent of the time.
7 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
5 Jan 16
I never even think of it. I suppose if, like Patsie @Hatley, I felt upset by rude comments, I might consider it if it became a habit and I didn't want the person to ruin my day.
4 people like this
@pgiblett (6524)
• Canada
5 Jan 16
@AbbyGreenhill I avoid religion and politics mostly, but there are times when such a discussion is necessary.
2 people like this
@AbbyGreenhill (45494)
• United States
5 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 Someone being rude or cursing that's different. That no one should put up with.
4 people like this
@41CombedaleRoad (5954)
• Greece
5 Jan 16
I have never blocked anyone, my experience has been very good here and even when I have written something religious I have never had anyone make an impolite comment. I love the differences and the freedom.
5 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
Usually people are open to others' opinions here.
1 person likes this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
5 Jan 16
Maybe that's the same one who blocked me. Nasty comments are a different story.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
It's best to move on and interact with those who can appreciate your viewpoint. They may not always think exactly the same way, but that's what adds spice to the discussion. Attacks on your person have no place here.
@Morleyhunt (21744)
• Canada
5 Jan 16
There is one writer on Mylot who has blocked everyone who ever commented on his post and then some.
4 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
I suppose, then, he prefers to talk to himself.
1 person likes this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
@Auntylou I agree. As Janet has said, though, he may have left us anyway.
1 person likes this
@Auntylou (4264)
• Oxford, England
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 So you have to wonder what he is doing here!
1 person likes this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
We choose which conversations to join. I'm always glad when someone chooses to take part in one of mine.
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
@pgiblett Can you imagine any situation where everyone would have the same opinion? That would be a miracle.
@vandana7 (100617)
• India
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 ...there can always be something even worse.....Hitler sits overnight stamping all those vote papers on our behalf on his name. You choose.
1 person likes this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
That's a threat I'm glad we are not living under.
2 people like this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 Fair enough, but the one I named even made a post about it - I think he may have left the site now anyway.
4 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
@jaboUK I went looking for him yesterday after you and others mentioned him, but I couldn't find him.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
5 Jan 16
I let those things roll off, too. I thought it might make a good discussion, though.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
Sharing our different viewpoints can make the discussion more interesting.
@troyburns (1405)
• New Zealand
6 Jan 16
If you write about politics,you have to expect honest differences of opinion. These criticisms can be a good way to clarify your own point of view, so they should be welcomed. Anyone who can't handle open discussion shouldn't be posting anything controversial. No big loss to avoid them.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
I think writing about politics can be a brave thing to do, as you will always get responses that disagree. That possibility should be considered before opening up the subject.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342112)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Jan 16
I couldn't comment on some post but it was the first time I'd ever been there or read his stuff so I'm not sure what was going on. It's a shame when you can't have a honest discussion without getting blocked. As soon as comments are respectful and don't become personal it should all be good.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
I agree. If someone is writing something I find offensive or too difficult to respond to, I usually just pass on making any comment at all.
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
@JudyEv I think there's a time and a place to get into a serious discussion about issues. I seldom feel like getting into it here. I respect people who do step up and express themselves, though.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (342112)
• Rockingham, Australia
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 I am really not into confrontation so I'd just move on too. But I know some people would feel obliged to state their case and that's fine too - just not for me.
2 people like this
@oneoveralpha (434)
• Brookville, Pennsylvania
5 Jan 16
If someone left a comment I found really offensive, I'd probably just needle them a bit to try to get more comments from them, because wouldn't that help my bank? If they have no interesting in having a serious discussion, I might as well try to use them to help myself. I'd only block someone if their comments turned violent.
3 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
I know what you mean. You've got a strategy there.
1 person likes this
@Dalane (691)
• United States
5 Jan 16
I have also been blocked by someone with strong political opinions, probably the same person. I'm like you-- I don't write on political topics, I just respond to others' posts if the spirit moves me. Blocking someone because they do not share your political beliefs shows that they are closed minded and possibly fearful that they may be exposed to a counter-argument that actually makes sense.
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
@Dalane It does seem to be based on fear.
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
@pgiblett I think all of us make an occasional typo now and then. I'm in the same country you are.
2 people like this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
7 Jan 16
@boiboing Do not worry about this .There are some here in myLot who do block people just because they think some are not fit to comment on their discussions.
1 person likes this
@silvermist (19702)
• India
7 Jan 16
@boiboing Yes,that is what I meant.Let us have a good time discussing and interacting.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83109)
• United States
5 Jan 16
I know there is one person here who has been blocking everyone but it's probably not the person you are referring to
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
Maybe, maybe not. Have you been blocked, too?
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
@Marilynda1225 It's hard to figure out. I'm only guessing why I have been blocked.
@Marilynda1225 (83109)
• United States
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 yes, I've been blocked by someone and have no idea why.
2 people like this
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
8 Jan 16
You are right, @WorDazza. There are probably as many people who agree with us as who disagree, and how can we understand other people is we don't want to know what they think? It's by talking back and forth that we can stretch our own thinking.
1 person likes this
@WorDazza (15830)
• Manchester, England
8 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 Absolutely. I have been led to re-evaluate some of my opinions by discussions I've had with others on here. I'm not saying I changed them but I did look at them again 
@Sheilamarie78 (2586)
• Canada
7 Jan 16
Yes, and if you don't want a good discussion, it's better to write about something else.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (220245)
• Walnut Creek, California
7 Jan 16
@Sheilamarie78 "I think fluffy bunnies are cute. Do you like fluffy bunnies?"
2 people like this
@Mike197602 (15512)
• United Kingdom
5 Jan 16
I wouldn't worry, i'd bet you've been blocked by the same idiot that has already blocked most of the members here
2 people like this
