It's something I notice a lot these days in society. Often when a stament is said or printed (devoid of associated tone and body language) we can take great offence at the literal words used. But often ignorantly there seems to be very little consideration or investigation into the wider context or intent behind the words used before the mob get biting. Should we judge a statement mearly by words (maybe poorly chosen) or by it's context and intend too? |
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure. "
But so many dont, they just sharpen their pitchforks and jump on the bandwagon. Afterall they have have what you literally said in printing (maybe minus all wider context of the other things you've said before or after that selected snap shot of text or sound bite). |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure. "
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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The thing is with words, you don’t hear the tone in which those words are typed.
People probably are too quick to judge or be offended, I’ve probably been guilty of this before in my life.
It’s a good point to raise, and one that makes you think about how you read words |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I used to work in publishing. I tend to read things twice - otherwise I get hung up on the stuff that really doesn't matter (merely, its). I can't help that it's a curse.
I think any piece of text only exists in how it is interpreted by others. Which is why "that's not what I meant" isn't a defence. You have to own that you've offended someone and re-explain. |
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By *cgkcCouple
over a year ago
Hitchin |
"I used to work in publishing. I tend to read things twice - otherwise I get hung up on the stuff that really doesn't matter (merely, its). I can't help that it's a curse.
I think any piece of text only exists in how it is interpreted by others. Which is why "that's not what I meant" isn't a defence. You have to own that you've offended someone and re-explain. "
Exactly! Context and audience - the most important considerations. |
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Context and intent too. Unfortunately context is often missed when someone is quoted in the press.
I also feel that comprehension of the written word is pretty poor. I'm often surprised by that and understand now why it was taught and tested at school. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea"
Very true |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
But so many dont, they just sharpen their pitchforks and jump on the bandwagon. Afterall they have have what you literally said in printing (maybe minus all wider context of the other things you've said before or after that selected snap shot of text or sound bite). "
I still have a pitchfork. I put it away and apologise if I misunderstood. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea"
I agree.
As Mrs N said, the lack of reading comprehension often surprises me too. Could be people rushing though and not reading properly.
I also think that misunderstandings can be good, as they start debate. Even if it's fierce it can sometimes lead to people getting a better understanding and maybe changing their minds. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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It is very true how context matters and it must be a nightmare if you are in the public eye having to carefully think before you utter each sentence. That is probably why people are so bland in the public eye and we can never start proper reasoned public conversations. |
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I think sometimes a lack of empathy or knowlage of the back ground from where the other person is coming from causes problems with this too. Not so much a problem when all parties are willing to engage and talk openly. I think this often leads to a greater understanding and better outcome. But so often is the case that a few words are pounced up on torn apart so automatically or without regard resulting in conversations being closed down and nothing positive really changing. |
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea"
Of course I'm also aware there are some who deliberately say things that can be interpreted two ways. When asked did you mean the more sinister meaning they say no, of course not. But in reality that's exactly what they ment, what their followers interpreted but they are keeping them self out of hot water. I guess this is where wider context is important to understand their true intentions, such as the things they've said in the past or their wider affiliations. |
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"Context and intent too. Unfortunately context is often missed when someone is quoted in the press.
I also feel that comprehension of the written word is pretty poor. I'm often surprised by that and understand now why it was taught and tested at school."
It is being taught and tested but that is smaller activity than the almost endless posting on social media. Some don't make the leap to understanding that the same critical thought process should be applied to reading a Twit as reading John Agard.
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By *icketysplitsWoman
over a year ago
Way over Yonder, that's where I'm bound |
"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea
Of course I'm also aware there are some who deliberately say things that can be interpreted two ways. When asked did you mean the more sinister meaning they say no, of course not. But in reality that's exactly what they ment, what their followers interpreted but they are keeping them self out of hot water. I guess this is where wider context is important to understand their true intentions, such as the things they've said in the past or their wider affiliations."
Language is coded. When I use 'bare' it doesn't mean the same thing as when the teenagers use it. In-groups have their own codes that those on the outside may feel is there but not fully understand.
There was a comedian on the radio a couple of weeks ago who addressed the modern claim of, You can't judge me because of my opinion. He pointed out that is exactly how judgement works. If you put an opinion out there then expect to be judged, expect to be questioned and don't get angry because not everyone shares it.
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea
Of course I'm also aware there are some who deliberately say things that can be interpreted two ways. When asked did you mean the more sinister meaning they say no, of course not. But in reality that's exactly what they ment, what their followers interpreted but they are keeping them self out of hot water. I guess this is where wider context is important to understand their true intentions, such as the things they've said in the past or their wider affiliations.
Language is coded. When I use 'bare' it doesn't mean the same thing as when the teenagers use it. In-groups have their own codes that those on the outside may feel is there but not fully understand.
There was a comedian on the radio a couple of weeks ago who addressed the modern claim of, You can't judge me because of my opinion. He pointed out that is exactly how judgement works. If you put an opinion out there then expect to be judged, expect to be questioned and don't get angry because not everyone shares it.
"
I think there is always a danger of when those in Group codes spill out into other groups. My sense of humour is quite dark and extreme sometimes. Maybe that's part and parcel of my freindship groups and spending a good proportion of my life in the forces and some extreme places. My humour does not ignore a lot of the darkness and evil in this world. Often I mock these things, make light of them, that's how I and many of My freinds deal with things. Yet I know that in some groups the literal interpretation of my words would portray a totally false representation of what I was expressing and my character.
I get the point of understanding the audience. One of the problems is when things get out that are not ment for that audience and thus get taken out of context (especially in the age of lightning fast social media propagation). I think it's a two way street. We should always look at casting a questioning eye over what is said and not taking it at face value. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea
Of course I'm also aware there are some who deliberately say things that can be interpreted two ways. When asked did you mean the more sinister meaning they say no, of course not. But in reality that's exactly what they ment, what their followers interpreted but they are keeping them self out of hot water. I guess this is where wider context is important to understand their true intentions, such as the things they've said in the past or their wider affiliations.
Language is coded. When I use 'bare' it doesn't mean the same thing as when the teenagers use it. In-groups have their own codes that those on the outside may feel is there but not fully understand.
There was a comedian on the radio a couple of weeks ago who addressed the modern claim of, You can't judge me because of my opinion. He pointed out that is exactly how judgement works. If you put an opinion out there then expect to be judged, expect to be questioned and don't get angry because not everyone shares it.
"
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I ask questions if I'm not sure.
Something that far more people should do.
People ascribe tone when reading based upon their own mood, their experiences with the poster, their own connotations of the words used and various other reasons. That's before we even get into mistyping or unclear wording.
So many disagreements on here are caused through miscommunication, if people simply asked "is this what you meant?" then this place would be a far easier place to navigate.
Tea"
 |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I used to work in publishing. I tend to read things twice - otherwise I get hung up on the stuff that really doesn't matter (merely, its). I can't help that it's a curse.
I think any piece of text only exists in how it is interpreted by others. Which is why "that's not what I meant" isn't a defence. You have to own that you've offended someone and re-explain. "
I don't agree that they have to solely own it, if the offense wasn't intended.
Why can't the offended person own the fact that they were offended? |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I used to work in publishing. I tend to read things twice - otherwise I get hung up on the stuff that really doesn't matter (merely, its). I can't help that it's a curse.
I think any piece of text only exists in how it is interpreted by others. Which is why "that's not what I meant" isn't a defence. You have to own that you've offended someone and re-explain.
I don't agree that they have to solely own it, if the offense wasn't intended.
Why can't the offended person own the fact that they were offended? "
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"I used to work in publishing. I tend to read things twice - otherwise I get hung up on the stuff that really doesn't matter (merely, its). I can't help that it's a curse.
I think any piece of text only exists in how it is interpreted by others. Which is why "that's not what I meant" isn't a defence. You have to own that you've offended someone and re-explain.
I don't agree that they have to solely own it, if the offense wasn't intended.
Why can't the offended person own the fact that they were offended? "
Agree  , some ppl will actively seek offence and revel in playing the victim, especially online. I think write what you like, try not to be offend on purpose unless that's your aim, if you do offend and it matters then try to explain tivoid conflict, if not then don't stress be happy. In here nothing is really real, unless it is.... |
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