"We hate those the most that are similar to us, but just a little bit different."

[varkam]

I see a lot of crap being slung back and forth here on DU. That is, perhaps, nothing new. An internet message board is going to have your fair share of disagreements, people in a bad mood, and trolls. Though what has struck me recently is the sheer level of acrimony with which some of these arguments have been proceeding. Hillary will eat your children, and if you support her you are for baby-killing. Obama hates gay people, and if you support him then you are one step shy of going out and beating a random gay man on the street. Edwards has a big house and secretly wants to employ the poor as his servants. On and on and on and on.

I was listening to an interview of Thomas Cahill on Bill Moyers on my iPod this week. Thomas Cahill is a historian who, in his newest book, takes up the subject of the death penalty. It was an excellent interview, but without going too far off point, one thing in the interview really struck me: Cahill said that we hate those the most that are similar to us, but just a little bit different. DU clicked into my head instantaneously. That statement applies to a good deal of other situations as well, and perhaps the fact that I first thought of DU is indicative that I've been spending way too much time on here.

Nonetheless, I see that happening here. We all generally want the same things, and we all have the same general political leanings - so we are all very similar in many important respects. We are all, also, a little bit different. At no time has that been any more clear to me then during this campaign season. Most of us have picked our candidate, because our candidate is (apparently) the only one who can save America and anything different would be a catastrophe. Those who cannot see that are either (a) dumb or (b) are actively working towards the destruction of America.

I would not say the word "hate" is too strong a word to describe some of the things that I have read here.

I have my personal favorite in the race, sure. I'm not going to say who, lest I be accused to deleting all the messages supportive of my candidate's opponent(s). I will say, though, that even though I believe in my candidate, it is not the end of the world if they don't get the nod. I think all the Democratic contenders are genuine and want to work to improve the state of things here in America. Keeping that it mind, it's kind of hard to hate someone who disagrees on such a minor point as what candidate to support. In my view, there's really only one thing that matters: that you vote Democratic. After all, that's why I'm here at DU - I support the Democratic party.

This has been my lame attempt at keeping the peace. We will now return you to your regularly scheduled flame-fest.

[TahitiNut]

1. "You cannot love or hate something in another person that you don't see in yourself."

We often claim "projection" and talk about motes and logs ... but personal experience tells me that there's far more truth than fiction in this quote.

But that CAN be the "Good News" too. :hi:

[tavalon]

17. We here at DU have the leadership chip

Many are disabled and only have computers from which to lead, but many more have lead in so many diverse ways. So. we miss other right ways because they aren't doing it our ways.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Well said, and much appreciated! K&R n/t

[unpossibles]

3. I try to save my hate and acrimony for Ron Paul

sorry - been one of those days.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

4. That really make sense when you think about it

Of course we'd be harder on those more similar to us for not seeing our point than those who have always been our opposites.

Thank you for sharing this. :)

[stillcool]

5. I was always told that in...

order for me to see it outside I had to have knowledge of it inside. Kind of funny that when one experiences something.. say like trauma...they perceive so much of it outside. And then there's the what you don't know isn't real. Which is all a good point...I'm not sure if presidential politics is much more than a mind game.

[TZ]

6. Sigh...

What am I gonna do with you, Varkam? Rationality, cool headedness, logic? This is GD we are talking about here.
BTW- a rec for your hard headed logic....:thumbsup:
PS- got your flame suit on?;-)

[varkam]

15. Well, I guess you'll have to take me out back and shoot me.

I'm just not frothing at the mouth anymore. I guess I'm no good for GD. :(

[maddezmom]

7. K&R

not lame at all :thumbsup:

[IndyOp]

8. Varkam - Very good. Thank you. Not lame - at all. (n/t)

[rasputin1952]

9. I had seen that before, and it was such an excellent interview,

I watched it again...:)

[Bluerthanblue]

10. profoundly uncomfortable truth-

well said,
and a good reminder.

thanks for this-
and for doing what you do.

peace,
blu

[Hydra]

11. I think the differences are more than skin deep

Elsewise, why would I be involved in flame wars regarding why progressive ideas I suggest are somehow passe?

[Elidor]

12. I've noticed that about myself

I've often suspected that if I were to meet myself, one of us would soon be going to the hospital, the other to jail.

[tigereye]

13. nicely said. We have to remember we are all on the same team/side/etc.

:thumbsup:

[JitterbugPerfume]

14. Thomas Cahill is wonderful

and so are you!

[TheDoorbellRang]

16. By Gosh, I think you've got it.

I was just getting familiar with DU in late 2004, so I missed all the acrimony in that primary season that others often referred to. It's been mindblowing to see all the attacks here. I have to skip over half of the threads these days, as they are merely impassioned, unreasoned diatribes against one candidate or another. An eye opening experience, but your explanation goes quite a way toward explaining it. Thanks.

[AlCzervik]

18. Familiarity breeds contempt.

and well said Varkam.

[proud patriot]

19. I noticed something similar while raising my son

His dad dislikes it when my son's behavior is similar
to what my husband was like at that age ..

The things that my husband does are the things he
dislikes about our son

[mcscajun]

20. Great post! Not a lame attempt at all.

:applause: