Are the Chinese political prisoners even behind their own computer screens?

[Zylka]

Serious question. I was in an internet cafe the other day, and in debate had some of the stupidest and short sided political misconceptions tossed at me by Chinese internet users. I'm talking downright ignorant and EVASIVE comments beyond anyone of capable mind! The question is, should we really take this gross negligence of reality at face value? Is this a fair reaction of supposedly free westerners behind their own screens???

Now I'm not saying the PRC has each net user at gunpoint the second he hits the switch, but wouldn't it make quite a bit more sense if each zig zagging comment we are troubled with daily were first identified as laced with a dose of fear? People are jailed and downright abused for speaking out against any and every government policy in the middle kingdom, so why would that stop net heads from sugar glossing life in typing to the rest of the world? Why should they be expected to accurately potray and debate reality when any other option just might land them in a jail cell?

I'm not asking for a movement of caring here... but from now on I know my course of action. Any time a Chinese user boasts of his/her grand Utopia, or defends inhuman/ politically backwards practises at home by rather pointing out completey irrelevant & topic deflecting problems in America - I'll just smile and nodd. After all, who am I to put a hardworking, worried young man or woman through undue stress by forcing them to argue for what's wrong online?

"FREE" western world indeed

[Imran Siddiqui]

I'm not asking for a movement of caring here... but from now on I know my course of action. Any time a Chinese user boasts of his/her grand Utopia, or defends inhuman/ politically backwards practises at home by rather pointing out completey irrelevant & topic deflecting problems in America - I'll just smile and nodd. After all, who am I to put a hardworking, worried young man or woman through undue stress by forcing them to argue for what's wrong online?

You are the man, Zylka!

[JohnT]

[positive spin]Perhaps by posing "acceptable" questions they are purposely looking for "unacceptable" answers that they won't be able to find at home, thereby increasing their effectiveness in combating those self-same dumb arguments at home/school. [/positive spin]

[Az]

I see your point, Zylka. Just saw it from UR's PRC posts, as well.

[DanS]

Any time a Chinese user boasts of his/her grand Utopia, or defends inhuman/ politically backwards practises at home by rather pointing out completey irrelevant & topic deflecting problems in America - I'll just smile and nodd.

Have anybody in mind?

[ranskaldan]

Zylka, you're trying too hard.

Learn about the basics of debating first. Here you go:

http://www.nizkor.org/features/fallacies/poisoning-the-well.html

[Zylka]

Yes. I have to agree with you there, bud!

[Az]

Yep, Zylka, it appears you were absolutely right.

[ranskaldan]

Originally posted by Zylka
Yes. I have to agree with you there, bud!

Alright Zylka, whatever you say.

- insert random patriotic motherland warcry here -

[Zylka]

Wait, maybe I will check your link. Does it outline the below formula:

"Country ChiChi seriously needs to reform problems dealing with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G"
"NOT TRUE! Just look at country Uni and problem H!!!"

*Note, problem H may or may not actually exist*

[loinburger]

I think that may be called a "red herring."

"Poisoning the Well" would be more like

"Country ChiChi seriously needs to reform problems dealing with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G"
"NOT TRUE! You live in country Uni which has problem H, so you're obviously lying!!!"

[Az]

"ChiChi"

[ranskaldan]

Originally posted by Zylka
Wait, maybe I will check your link. Does it outline the below formula:

"Country ChiChi seriously needs to reform problems dealing with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G"
"NOT TRUE! Just look at country Uni and problem H!!!"

*Note, problem H may or may not actually exist*

No not really. It outlines this formula.

1. Get whooped in an argument.

2. Run away and start another one elsewhere.

3. Make illogical arguments. For example: "You have reason to lie. So you MUST BE LYING!!! mWHAHAAH!!!1`"

4. Have illogical arguments exposed.

5. Slip away in shame.

It's okay, Zylka. We understand.

[Az]

[loinburger]

Originally posted by ranskaldan
No not really. It outlines this formula.

There's nothing even closely resembling that formula on the page that you linked to.