Complete differences of opinion on AB

[Le Chat]

I have been a regular ABer since 2004 and in this time I have noticed a two-tier structure of opinions. There are a number of people who think that Islam is fantastic and a number who can't even bring themselves to type the word properly: the same set think that immigration is wonderful for the country, whilst the other set think it is terrible, the first set think that joining the EU in totality will do the UK no end of good, whilst the other set think it is possibly the worst descision any govt could make ...and so on and so on... Generally one set (and always the same set) think that nothing that happens to this country is ever to its detriment or ever will be and the other set think the opposite. You can tell after reading a question, who is going to answer in which direction. How do opinions (which they are of course) become so divided when the evidence is presented the same way to all and how come you know already who is going to reply in a certain manner, even if the subject may never have been posted before?

[fagidill]

Which New's Paper Did This Come From!

[fagidill]

Sorry I Thought I Was In The NEW'S Section.

[anotheoldgit]

There is also a third type, that cannot give an opinion but try to be as obnoxious as possible.

[rojash]

I've never seen any posts on here which indicate that the posters think Islam is fantastic, perhaps you could link to some?

You also ask "How do opinions [..] become so divided when the evidence is presented the same way to all...", but of course, the evidence that most people are aware of, is not presented in the same way, but according to the agenda of the source from which they obtained it.

It is also a fallacy to believe that most people form their opinions from the evidence. Most form their opinions according to their individual prejudices, and then look for evidence (or pseudo-evidence) to support their views.

[meredith101]

God bless ilsam.

[Oneeyedvic]

Totally agree with rojash's previous post.

The majority of people (and I have been guilty of this myself) have difficulty with differentiating what is FACT and what is OPINION.

Fact: Islam is a recognised Religion with over 1 billion followers in the country.

Opinion: It isn't going away and the majority of Muslims are ordinary peace loving people (obviously MY opinion)

Fact: The UK is part of the EU

Opinion: Most people do not understand the implications of being a member state and obtain their opinions according to the people they hang around with, their choice of media or the political party they align themselves with. My opinion is that the media choice is the biggest influence.

It is not a FACT that Islam is good or bad. It is not a fact that membership of the EU is good or bad. It is all down to opinion - and everyone has a different one.

I'd guess that the majority of people actually go somewhere in the middle of the views on here, but the more extreme views get noticed more and argue more (a bit like Islam really!)

[anotheoldgit]

The Capital Times a FREE London Paper Newsdesk?

Dont be so tight go out and buy a newspaper.

The Daily Mail perhaps, the very popular newspaper that dares to print the truth of what is really going off in this country of ours, even though there is some who would wish to stiffle free speech.

[legend758duo]

yawn

i find it all very boring
repetitive.

but it keeps the supposed intelligent users occupied and also draws in the bnp following numbskulls

meat for everyone

and theres never an outcome
it just self perpetuates

[Le Chat]

rojash -
Maybe I overstated somewhat that people think Islam is fantastic but some are quick to slam it whilst others are fast to report what a kind and peaceful religion it is!?
My main point, of which I am having obvious difficulty in expressing, is that , without naming people, i can read a question and without looking at the answers, already know how certain ABers will respond - despite the content of the question. Are we all bigoted in our own way?

[Kromovaracun]

The Daily Mail perhaps, the very popular newspaper that dares to print the truth of what is really going off in this country of ours, even though there is some who would wish to stiffle free speech.

Must... resist....

[China Doll]

Well I can always tell by looking. The ones wringing their hands in despair always answer differently to those in the funny cardies made of noodles.

BEsides... it's all a big wind up by the lefties, we're hoping we can make the right whingers spontaniously combust. It's nearly worked a couple of times too.

[ludwig]

I'm convinced alot of people don't bother using their brain when offering opinions. They let their view of themselves dictate what their opinion should be on any given subject - e.g 'I'm a liberal left winger*, so I suppose I'd better repeat what the liberal left wing view would be on this question'.
Still - it's all good fun eh? - it'd be a pretty boring site without a bit of ranting and pontification.

*substitute right winger as appropriate.

[Kromovaracun]

You mean 'I'm a liberal right-winger'? Eh?

[China Doll]

Not sure that's quite true ludwig, I think some people just hold similar opinions and if I'm feeling mischievious I do play up on the leftie and rightie stereotypes. However, as with anything, I don't think we're all always in 100% agreement all the time.

[jno]

vic, if there are over a billion Muslims in the country, I suspect that will confirm the worst fears of many people on AB, not least about the amount of illegal immigration...