Should a Gaming Community Talk "Issues"?

posted by papi blez

Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:14:07 PM EST

I didn't mean to do this when I posted my diary yesterday about the couple in Australia who are involved in an incestuous relationship. But apparently it was unavoidable that the conversation steered into the heated discussion regarding gay marriage.

I don't want to recycle the arguments everyone made again, but I did want to ask the Gearheads community if you guys feel it's OK to discuss things like politics, religion and controversial issues like gay marriage and abortion on a site that is dedicated to gaming.  I was talking to my wife about the fact that the diary got a bit heated and she said, "Why did you post a link to that on a gaming site again?"  My simple reply was that I consider this a community of friends and this would be something I'd share and discuss with my friends.

I'm not sure how many of you know, but I run a blogging network about sports and we largely have a no politics rule on our sites because they can be divisive for a tight knit community brought together for a common purpose (like supporting the New Jersey Devils).  But I don't really view this community the same way because we all meet and talk on a weekly basis.  It isn't like too many of us are anonymous Internet voices.  We get to know each other, otherwise that person doesn't typically stick around Gearheads very long.  I also think that's one of the things that brings us together as such a rock solid community.

Any way, I'm not upset or anything about the discussion yesterday.  I felt it was a good one that probably won't change anyone's minds or beliefs, but I wanted to throw this open to everyone.  Should this site talk about things other than gaming?  I personally don't mind it as long as it doesn't become the dominant part of the conversation here and as long as it's only an occasional thing.  I think it's healthy to talk about these things with friends and sometimes hear a different perspective.  I once mentioned that one of my favorite Gearheads moments was when I first went through Gears on Insane difficulty with SweetTea and we had a ton of quality discussions about love, life, religion and politics.  He and I are pretty polar opposite on the political spectrum, but his maturity level and his ability to hold an intelligent conversation about something we were both so passionate about just floored me.  It blew me away and I remember asking him several times, "Are you sure you're only 18?"

At the same time, I know that if someone feels a certain way about a political or controversial issue, it can sometimes lead to that person getting irrationally angry with someone else.  I don't want something like this to hurt our Band of Brothers, sort of speak.

What do you think, Gearheads?  Should topics like gay marriage and politics be off limits here?  Should we stick to nothing but gaming-related issues?

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Comments Disabled | 26 comments

  •  As long as it stays mature, (none / 0)

    open minded, and civil I'm fine with talking political issues.  Like you said, we need to stay focused on gaming for the most part, but I don't see a problem with talking about issues in our society.  I know that Sweety, Nate, Suns, Chris, you, and I got into a pretty heated discussion last night, but I still love all of ya ;)

    Second GT: extrateresticle

    by captain crunk27 on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:21:26 PM EST

    •  I think the key is trying to avoid (none / 0)

      personal attacks which I don't really think any of us did.  We were heated without being a-holes about it.  

      by papi blez on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:22:57 PM EST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Yep, really, I don't think (none / 0)

        there is any other topic here, that will challenge this community as much as the topic yesterday did.  We kind of proved ourselves.  I am really impressed.

        We are a gaming community, but taking it to the next level is just a natural progression of what we have been fostering here for over a year.

        I don't mind the further discussion/debate of hot topics.  Those who want to participate can do so, and those who don't can't ignore or just lurk.  I think the idea of just doing it once in a while, is probably a good idea.

        "Gears2 has legs, and they go all the way up!"

        by 3Suns on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 08:02:56 PM EST

        [ Parent ]

  •  I personally think (none / 0)

    that it should not be off-limits. Debating is fun, as long as it isn't hateful or otherwise targeted towards someone else. Like you said, papi, doing this sort of thing is healthy in a way that you do get to hear others opinions, and somehow maybe influence you in a good way by bringing up a good point.

    That's just my take on it.

    Bethel Park 2008 WPIAL Champs! - Next stop: State Title at Hershey - Noone stands a chance. Seriously...

    by ajABE on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:43:43 PM EST

  •  I'm fine with this. (none / 0)

    Only if you guys knew how much Really Doe and I debated back in the day. They weren't the most civil of debates, but they were fun nonetheless since Really Doe actually knows how to have an intelligent conversation. Like you said though, I also want this to be occasional. And seeing as this is yet another step to the site growing into something that much bigger, I welcome it with open (but greased) arms.

    GO BETHEL PARK BLACK HAWKS!!! 14-0 WPIAL CHAMPIONS!!! STATE CHAPS INCOMING!!!

    by Grymm on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:44:22 PM EST

  •  I think its (none / 0)

    great that we are slowly opening the doors to new things on this site.  As much as I would love to say that the discussion last night got heated, I really dont think it did.  I thought it was great that everyone said what was on their minds didnt back down but didnt attack the other for having different beliefs.  There are always 2 sides to a coin and its nice to see the other half once and awhile.  If people do go overboard tehy are called on it immediately but not in an ignorant way so thats amazing.  Once again showing how great this community is.  Gaming news is always good as well!

    Oct 21/08 Nov 7/08

    by carr on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 06:53:32 PM EST

  •  I'm kind of mixed about this. (none / 0)

    I consider everyone here my friends.  From what I've read from the "Ewww" diary, everyone conducted themselves in a mature fashion.  Everyone is free to exercise their freedom of speech and leave their opinions as long as there is a mutual respect for everyone here.  On the other hand, this is a community based on gaming interests.  So, I am torn.  It would truly be boring if we only talked about games all day long.  I'll finish this post later...gotta go & help some teachers...

    Gears is MY Star Wars!!! Wooohhh!!!

    by Blankman on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 07:20:00 PM EST

  •  wow (none / 0)

    great thread yesterday/today, nothing wrong with intense discussion on topics of interest

    no special interest group influence, just real opinions and strong discussion,

    no one will be hung in effigy because of what you believe

    i always felt the toad got shafted

    by DEGREES OF FREEDOM on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 07:29:19 PM EST

  •  I view this community (none / 0)

    as a group of friends. I dont mind the discussion, I dont always contribute but its always enlightening to read. I'm ok with talking about anything and everything as long as we keep it mature (like everyone else said) and avoid personal attacks (like everyone else said) and as long as it doesnt overtake the real reason we're here. Gaming.

    by BoxinLeprechaun on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 07:30:41 PM EST

  •  Our founding Fathers (none / 0)

    When the US of A was born, there were bitter debates regarding what type of country they would pass down to us.  Jefferson, Hamilton, Adams and Madison were bitter enemies in a certain way.  They all had their own agenda.  Washington was the Father figure that kept them glued together.  He knew somehow that although they were polar opposites regarding the role of central government and the role of religion, that they all were needed.  

    After over 200 years, we still enjoy what they fought Each Other for.

    I think that we all have our own ideals of what a perfect world would look like.  They may be different, but if our hearts are in the right place, we do the best we can.

    The good news is that we have the freedom to express it.

    "I do not tell lies, but I am a savage".

    by Kenai 91 on Wed Apr 16, 2008 at 08:00:37 PM EST

  •  It keeps things interesting (none / 0)

    I used to post for about 10 years on a DVD website.  Oftentimes discussions became heated.  As soon as the moderator banned non-movie discussions, the board began to die.  It is difficult for intelligent people to stick to only one topic.  As much as I eat, drink, and breathe gaming I have other interests and a multitude of opinions.  

    Papi, feel free to open any discussion that you want, regardless of the chaos that may ensue.  I found the whole thing to be quite entertaining.

    BTW, as a friend of Blankman I can attest that he has had relations with both of his sisters.

    by Razor Hanzo on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 02:27:17 AM EST

    •  One (none / 0)

      of the best closing comments Ive seen in awhile.

      Oct 21/08 Nov 7/08

      by carr on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 07:16:23 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

    •  in the words of Blankman (none / 0)

      BWAAAAAAAAAAAAA HA HA HA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAAHH

      ROTFL!

      "Gears2 has legs, and they go all the way up!"

      by 3Suns on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 08:27:29 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

    •  Razor, I knew I was gonna like you (none / 0)

      but I didn't think I would like you this much, this fast!  That was great!

      "Gears2 has legs, and they go all the way up!"

      by 3Suns on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 08:28:12 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

    •  Don't make me slap you with... (none / 0)

      the Ban Hammer, Razor (you, rat bastard). ;)   This is the thanks that I get for bringing his butt on board.  LOL

      Gears is MY Star Wars!!! Wooohhh!!!

      by Blankman on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:10:14 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

    •  Ahhhh (none / 0)

      That would explain why Blank didn't want to get involved in the discussion.  LOL  ;-)

      by papi blez on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:28:20 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

      •  Bwahahahaha! Good one, Papi. ;) (none / 0)

        I didn't want to add any more fuel to the fire since everyone was pretty much done with supporting their thoughts/arguments.  Most of my opinions & beliefs are more in line with yours, Tyler.  I didn't think that it was necessary to have another person echoing the same stance that you had already covered.  I entered into the diary so late that it had progressed to far for me to even debate any points.  Look, we're not going to change anyone's belief or opinions.  It's good to witness and participate in mature conversations and debates that delve outside the realm of gaming.  We're an established community whose members have known each other for more than the better part of a year, it would be awfully boring to only talk about videogames 24/7.  As I've said before, I may not agree with people's views, but I do respect that they have a stance.

        Gears is MY Star Wars!!! Wooohhh!!!

        by Blankman on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:40:34 AM EST

        [ Parent ]

        •  I agree (none / 0)

          and it helps that we do all talk to each other on a regular basis.  I think it would be different if there was no verbal communication and this only over the Internet where people have a tendency of hiding behind anonymity to be jerks.

          by papi blez on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:43:18 AM EST

          [ Parent ]

    •  Hahahahahah (none / 0)

      I like this guy already =)

      by SweetTea023 on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 11:33:35 AM EST

      [ Parent ]

  •  As previously stated... (none / 0)

    Yes, I think it's just a natural progression as we all have come to know more and more about one another. We naturally want to know about the person behind the voice and gamertag. So just having a few rules about debating should set the tone just right. But in the coming months I think our posts might end up 92% Gears 2 related. Oh yeah...

    by johnart on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 05:38:56 AM EST

  •  I dont see a problem (none / 0)

    As long as we dont take the piss ;) and become too heated. But i think JT posts should be banned ;)

    Brumak porn... love it!

    by HELLFIRE V1 on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 06:32:30 AM EST

  •  Mature discussion will only bring depth to (none / 0)

    our community IMO. While we may not necessarily change our minds on positions, I think we will rid ourselves of the stereotypes of certain groups. (ie. that a majority of Christians hate homosexuals; things like that)

    We have a surprisingly mature group here and I am constantly impressed with how they interact with each other! =)

    by SweetTea023 on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 12:11:17 PM EST

  •  i dont (none / 0)

    find it to be a problem if you guys talk about this kind of stuff, doesn't bother me, a community of mature people like you guys should really talk about this stuff, but dont take it too far as to the website be called gearpoliticsofwar, i wouldnt mind knowing something that seems big to you guys, im all for it papi, go for it

    "Im gonna take a piss, when i come back im gonna talk about The Mighty Duck movie"

    by Evil Resident on Thu Apr 17, 2008 at 03:46:56 PM EST

Comments Disabled | 26 comments