Sunday, 20 May 2018 11:23 pm
Another Online Challenge
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deckardcanineIt’s common for people online to complain
When a site goes political once in a while.
Whenever they do, I expect a refrain
That the writers are human regardless of style.
What bothers me most is when people reply
That dissenting opinion is helpful to view
To challenge one’s mindset. It can be, but why
Should we have to put up with an insult or two?
You want to change minds if not hearts? Make a case.
Use a rational argument, best as you can.
But don’t tell opponents they’re bad to their face,
Or they’ll just feel assured that you’re less than a man.
The only thing challenged by that kind of talk
Is one’s tolerant bearing of hostile surprise.
Unless your intention is simply to shock,
I submit that civility still would be wise.
When a site goes political once in a while.
Whenever they do, I expect a refrain
That the writers are human regardless of style.
What bothers me most is when people reply
That dissenting opinion is helpful to view
To challenge one’s mindset. It can be, but why
Should we have to put up with an insult or two?
You want to change minds if not hearts? Make a case.
Use a rational argument, best as you can.
But don’t tell opponents they’re bad to their face,
Or they’ll just feel assured that you’re less than a man.
The only thing challenged by that kind of talk
Is one’s tolerant bearing of hostile surprise.
Unless your intention is simply to shock,
I submit that civility still would be wise.