Silk Road forums

Discussion => Philosophy, Economics and Justice => Topic started by: dss3i on October 05, 2012, 08:55 pm

Title: Personal problems with politics
Post by: dss3i on October 05, 2012, 08:55 pm
Ever since I was a little kid I've had what some people may call "a strong sense of justice" and I believe in absolute morals (not relative ones). This is not a bad thing, but because I have such strong believes I have problems listening to other people express themselves when they say things I find stupid/oppressive and so on. As a result I can't watch the news on TV and I can't read newspapers. Politics are the worse. When there are political debates on TV I need to leave the room because I get so frustrated and angry watching the debate. I don't have the gift of formulating myself quickly and witty and winning the audience (who usually prefer wit over reasoning), so I also avoid any political discussions with people around me. The only exceptions are my family and a few chosen friends who "think much like I do." As you realize I'm not doing any good avoiding politics and I won't ever make my voice heard this way. I'm glad there are others out there who talk better than I do and can take on this role in society, but sometimes I wish I could just watch TV and partake in a discussion with acquaintances, instead of making a bathroom visit so I don't have to hear them. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas how I can approach it?
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: Ballzinator on October 05, 2012, 10:43 pm
Ever since I was a little kid I've had what some people may call "a strong sense of justice" and I believe in absolute morals (not relative ones). This is not a bad thing, but because I have such strong believes I have problems listening to other people express themselves when they say things I find stupid/oppressive and so on. As a result I can't watch the news on TV and I can't read newspapers. Politics are the worse. When there are political debates on TV I need to leave the room because I get so frustrated and angry watching the debate. I don't have the gift of formulating myself quickly and witty and winning the audience (who usually prefer wit over reasoning), so I also avoid any political discussions with people around me. The only exceptions are my family and a few chosen friends who "think much like I do." As you realize I'm not doing any good avoiding politics and I won't ever make my voice heard this way. I'm glad there are others out there who talk better than I do and can take on this role in society, but sometimes I wish I could just watch TV and partake in a discussion with acquaintances, instead of making a bathroom visit so I don't have to hear them. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas how I can approach it?
I have the EXACT same problem but no solution. On very rare occasions though I spontaneously find the right words to express my political beliefs. That usually happens when I hang out with friends who talk about politics and I disagree with them. Then, out of nowhere I get like a divine afflatus and I'm suddenly able to channel all my rage and dissatisfaction about the world into the discussion and all my thoughts get crystal clear and before I know it I deliver an epic speech, leaving everyone around me (and myself) awestruck.
That happens very rarely though and I wish I could do it whenever I want :D
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: seshat on October 05, 2012, 11:06 pm
I've got a very similar problem and it has been the main motivational factor in really learning a lot about living sustainably, off the grid, producing all your own food and power.
I feel inherent guilt living in the culture I live in, being white and middle class especially. Our tax dollars go to raping and pillaging peoples and lands around the globe, not to mention those dollars aren't even a legitimate currency issues by an illegitimate power structure, assuming their authority over free peoples. It's just all way too much for me.
So I am currently acquiring funds and knowledge/experience to not have to live dependently on that system...
I also love nature, animals, plants, and food. Along with my creative nature playing instruments and writing music. I don't see why I need all the other bullshit that comes with this evil system.

cheers..
-Seshat
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: Ballzinator on October 05, 2012, 11:12 pm
I've got a very similar problem and it has been the main motivational factor in really learning a lot about living sustainably, off the grid, producing all your own food and power.
I feel inherent guilt living in the culture I live in, being white and middle class especially. Our tax dollars go to raping and pillaging peoples and lands around the globe, not to mention those dollars aren't even a legitimate currency issues by an illegitimate power structure, assuming their authority over free peoples. It's just all way too much for me.
So I am currently acquiring funds and knowledge/experience to not have to live dependently on that system...
I also love nature, animals, plants, and food. Along with my creative nature playing instruments and writing music. I don't see why I need all the other bullshit that comes with this evil system.

cheers..
-Seshat
This might be of interest to you: earthship.com
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: RutGroove on October 07, 2012, 03:26 am
I've got a very similar problem and it has been the main motivational factor in really learning a lot about living sustainably, off the grid, producing all your own food and power.
I feel inherent guilt living in the culture I live in, being white and middle class especially. Our tax dollars go to raping and pillaging peoples and lands around the globe, not to mention those dollars aren't even a legitimate currency issues by an illegitimate power structure, assuming their authority over free peoples. It's just all way too much for me.
So I am currently acquiring funds and knowledge/experience to not have to live dependently on that system...
I also love nature, animals, plants, and food. Along with my creative nature playing instruments and writing music. I don't see why I need all the other bullshit that comes with this evil system.

Much respect, seshat.  I completely agree.  Almost.  I'm conflicted.

Being born into the culture I live in, as a white, middle class, male, in the 21st century was not a choice.  So I only feel partly guilty about that, though I am disgusted by exploitations our society sanctions, and in too many cases accepted by myself and going along with it.  For example, I lust for exploited young beautiful women in media.  I've paid taxes that are corruptly misused in the obviously failing War On Drugs to fund the Military Industrial Complex and provide slave work for the Prison Industrial Complex.  I've been a consumer whore and bought what they sold me.  I want more from life, like the lies on TV.  I crave escape in drugs or death.  There really is no safe place on Earth.

This might be of interest to you: earthship.com

A great documentary Garbage Warrior (2007) about Mike Reynolds who is the "garbage warrior", an architect who has been designing homes from refuse and natural objects for roughly forty years.  IMDb rating 7.6 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104694/
He was also in Dennis Weaver's Earthship (Video 1990) that I also recommend.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1741654/

I'd love to be sustainable but I'm anything but balanced.

~ RutGroove
Life sucks and then I die.
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: seshat on October 07, 2012, 09:32 am
Earthships Are the SHIT!
There are actually some great opportunities in the US to do earthship internships and what not which i hope to take advantage of soon!

Rutgroove i feel you man i have been disturbed time and time again to what sort of things US Tax dollars really do or accomplish. Its a never ending stream of bullshit, and the pile only keeps gettin bigger it seems to me!
So yeah... Nature.. and music and shit = P...

Cheers-
Seshat
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: LEGACY on October 07, 2012, 11:42 pm
It's called poli-tics. I think that says enough.
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: dss3i on October 07, 2012, 11:48 pm
It's called poli-tics. I think that says enough.

HAHA  ;D
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: Bungee54 on October 12, 2012, 05:22 pm
Ever since I was a little kid I've had what some people may call "a strong sense of justice" and I believe in absolute morals (not relative ones). This is not a bad thing, but because I have such strong believes I have problems listening to other people express themselves when they say things I find stupid/oppressive and so on. As a result I can't watch the news on TV and I can't read newspapers. Politics are the worse. When there are political debates on TV I need to leave the room because I get so frustrated and angry watching the debate. I don't have the gift of formulating myself quickly and witty and winning the audience (who usually prefer wit over reasoning), so I also avoid any political discussions with people around me. The only exceptions are my family and a few chosen friends who "think much like I do." As you realize I'm not doing any good avoiding politics and I won't ever make my voice heard this way. I'm glad there are others out there who talk better than I do and can take on this role in society, but sometimes I wish I could just watch TV and partake in a discussion with acquaintances, instead of making a bathroom visit so I don't have to hear them. Does anyone else have this problem? Any ideas how I can approach it?
I have the EXACT same problem but no solution. On very rare occasions though I spontaneously find the right words to express my political beliefs. That usually happens when I hang out with friends who talk about politics and I disagree with them. Then, out of nowhere I get like a divine afflatus and I'm suddenly able to channel all my rage and dissatisfaction about the world into the discussion and all my thoughts get crystal clear and before I know it I deliver an epic speech, leaving everyone around me (and myself) awestruck.
That happens very rarely though and I wish I could do it whenever I want :D


Exactly as wee ! Cheers!
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: wackmanblu on October 13, 2012, 10:50 pm
Yeah, I hate it when your getting friendly with someone and then they assume you share all their beliefs and then they start spouting off like anyone who doesn't agree with them is an idiot.
I think people like that are fearful of not being part of the herd. Every now and then I meet someone who can calmly discuss political opinions without making things awkward.
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: johnwholesome on October 14, 2012, 03:41 am
Welcome to the dark side. You gotta learn to live with it. There is no remedy. Some people just can't stand the smell of bullshit, and never get acquainted to it.
Title: Re: Personal problems with politics
Post by: wackmanblu on October 14, 2012, 03:53 am
Welcome to the dark side. You gotta learn to live with it. There is no remedy. Some people just can't stand the smell of bullshit, and never get acquainted to it.

Well I think I'm defiantly one of those people. I hate it when people look you right in the eye and say some bullshit statement that you're obviously suppose to agree with. Like they're desperately looking to you for some kind of social validation. Fuck man, we're all just trying to make it through life. You may not be what society expects of you, but Jezzus - don't belittle yourself by seeking desperate acceptance of people you just met.