Politics

[Mogwai]

Maybe 'earth' is right: politics might be something to not talk about here.  The reason why I'm starting to agree with earth more now is that we can spend a lot of time and energy here on this board debating world issues in the Off-Topic section rather than discussing the genius of Dostoevsky.

Do you agree or disagree?  Should politics be discussed here?

[Mitya]

The reason why I'm starting to agree with earth more now is that we can spend a lot of time and energy here on this board debating world issues in the Off-Topic section rather than discussing the genius of Dostoevsky.

You've raised a very good point. The politics discussions here are, to say the least, very interesting, but if the forum's purpose is to explore Dostoevsky, it can definitely distract from that. It's something to consider, but I still need to think about whether I agree or disagree about the idea.

[Alyosha]

I think religion and politics are intertwined with Dostoevsky. Read his Writer's Diary.

[Mogwai]

I think religion and politics are intertwined with Dostoevsky. Read his Writer's Diary.

We understand that, but discussing Bush's policies and the current state of terrorism has absolutely nothing to do with Dostoevsky.  If we were talking about 19th Century Russian politics, that would be fine as Demons is all about that.

I think I'll be mute on modern politics from here on out on this forum...

[Alyosha]

Modern politics have changed little since the 19th century. I think we should avoid Bush too though since it is so divisive.

Religion, though, cannot be avoided when talking about Dostoevsky.

Do you think modern Russia is relevant?

[axon]

Here is the thing: On all the forums I'm a member of (too many!) politics and religion make for great conversation if responsible people are debating...otherwise it turns in nothing more but a huge flame war...and the threads become muddled, and the main point is completely lost.

I believe that people who are mature enough to read and understand Dostoevsky are mature enough to handle any discussion, therefore, I am definitely for the discussion of current politics and current events.

Many of the things that are happening do apply to D's philosophy...one example of this from the Notes is that of being authentic...D hated layers if they were inauthentic...we can think of a few can't we ?


 

[Golyadkin]

I have a debate section in my message board (golyadkin.proboards3.com) and there are specific sections for religion and for politics. We could always debate them there.

[axon]

As long as a forum has an "off topic" or "general discussion" board, politics and religion will always be discussed there - there is simply no stopping it.

You could be despotic and put up forum rules prohibiting it....but then it would be easier just delete that board all together.

[Ivan]

I agree with Axon, they might not be the most intelligent and productive conversations but there is no sense in prohibiting them.  I'm much more prone to get frustrated over a discussion pertaining specifically to Dostoevsky than I am to get frustrated over a discussion on politics or religion.
Hopefully we don't have to pretend like all that we do is read Dostoevsky!