Some unfortunate happenings at the Rippetoe forum

[TempestTenor]

http://www.strengthmill.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7367

My only solace is to remind myself to separate the man from his teachings...

[muddy]

Not entirely sure what you're referring to - that Rip is pro-gun? No surprise there. That he called someone a shithead? Nothing new there either....

[TempestTenor]

That Rip wholeheartedly applauded posts with strong xenophobic elements.

[StevieB]

That Rip wholeheartedly applauded posts with strong xenophobic elements.

get over yourself... the man is entitled to his opinion whether you agree with him or not, that's free speech

[atypical1]

get over yourself... the man is entitled to his opinion whether you agree with him or not, that's free speech

But isn't expressing your displeasure about another person's beliefs also part of free speech? So when TT makes a comment around how he doesn't agree with what he believes to be xenophobic statements he needs to "get over himself"? Interesting.

james

[TempestTenor]

What's with the insults?

Yes, he is entitled to his opinion. It differs greatly from my own opinion. I believe my own views to be correct and his to the incorrect. This is pretty standard human psychology, yes?

I find it difficult to sing the praises of his strength training methodologies (which I believe to be fantastic) when I so vehemently disagree with his personal political views. I was simply expressing this internal struggle I have.

[Mehdi]

What's with the insults?

Yes, he is entitled to his opinion. It differs greatly from my own opinion. I believe my own views to be correct and his to the incorrect. This is pretty standard human psychology, yes?

I find it difficult to sing the praises of his strength training methodologies (which I believe to be fantastic) when I so vehemently disagree with his personal political views. I was simply expressing this internal struggle I have.

A few months ago I went out and this guy was there. He's a friend of friends. I've heard about him. He's a member of an extremist/xenophobic politic party in our country. I don't like that party and I don't like what they do. So of course I automatically didn't like that guy before I even met him.

I decided that I didn't want to be like them: I don't want to judge people before I even met or talked to them. So I thought "get out of your comfort zone", and went introducing myself to him and we talked. I didn't talk about his work/politics and I didn't mention that I had arab origins. We had a great conversation, and I liked him, we had several things in common. I haven't had a chance to talk to him since, but eventually I'd want to ask him why he is in that party so I understand where he's coming from.

I'm not writing this to defend Rippetoe and like you TT, I don't agree with the stuff in that thread.

[LiftingNerd]

That's why people ask the man how to get stronger, and not how to bring about world peace. Although you must applaud how he allowed views from both sides to be presented.

[sean]

I find it difficult to sing the praises of his strength training methodologies (which I believe to be fantastic) when I so vehemently disagree with his personal political views. I was simply expressing this internal struggle I have.

Ender's Game, one of my favorite books, is written by Orson Scott Card. Over the past few years, Card has spoken out against evolution and gay marriage to such a degree that I now consider him to be disgustingly insane. But that doesn't mean I can't like his book.

[Wellhairedbeast]

That's why people ask the man how to get stronger, and not how to bring about world peace. Although you must applaud how he allowed views from both sides to be presented.

This is very true, and he is quite open, if he disagrees with something he will be quite blunt about it. Everyone has different opinions and just because you are opposed in opinions it doesn't have to be a problem. We look to Rip for his training, anything else is irrelevant, you can enjoy Wagner's music without worrying about his politics. At the end of the day i have a lot of respect for him as not only is he knowledgeable but quite open and honest it seems.

Also i wouldn't say the posts are necessarily xenophobic, what one member said wasn't that it was a problem people were Muslim, but they were talking about the number of immigrants coming in compared to the British leaving the country. Now i will add that this doesnt take into account birth rates so "native" Britons are still obviously a majority but i can see why people may be worried or anxious because in some parts of the country they are becoming a minority.

I have lived in areas like that, and the older first generation of immigrants were all friendly people who integrate into our society quite happily, its the youths that seem to have taken a more aggressive stance. I have had more racism directed at myself than i have seen thrown at others where i used to live surprisingly.

Being a socialist would make me seem politically at odds with Rippetoe, hell he has even hated on kettlebells as he was brought up in an anti-communist society. But when he mentioned that he did it in a light hearted way. His politics, and those of his forum will not affect my opinion of him as a trainer. He is generous in being so interactive with trainees over the internet.

Remember free speech is multisided, those who often criticise others with extreme views are often more intolerant as they wont allow such views to be aired, whereas someone with an extreme view may be quite happy for both sides to be discussed publicly. - The worst scenario is one where opinions are censored. Of course people should not act in prejudice but just because you feel a certain way does not mean you should do, as i mentioned im a socialist yet some of my best friends are conservative but although we disagree it doesn't mean we have to kill each other!

[atypical1]

That's why people ask the man how to get stronger, and not how to bring about world peace.

Too true indeed.

I do understand TT's internal struggle. But in some instances you simply have to remove yourself from their political/social/etc views. I think that's a great example of perhaps why people in those postitions perhaps should stick the topics that they are known for and not get too much into things that are more controversial. Not that they can't have opinions but perhaps the world doesn't need to know them. That's why I don't make mine known to co-workers and why I don't put political stickers on my vehicles.

james

[rossi]

All nice and swell, but why did Tempest bring this up in the first place?

[itsbruce]

Politically/socially, I would be in the TempestTenor/WellHairedBeast zone (which sounds worrying, when I label it like that ). But I think a topic about how dumb people are being in Forum X is in much the same spirit (and about as useful) as the "Let's laugh at the stupid people in my gym" threads. I would discourage this kind of thread with the same fervour that the forum mods use in locking down the "dumb gym guys" threads, because it is almost certain to end in useless argument and negativity. People here are much friendlier when bitching about squats and technique.

[StevieB]

Why not just respond to Rip directly?... instead of going on another forum to talk about him behind his back.

[NotNowChief]

All nice and swell, but why did Tempest bring this up in the first place?

It's an item of curiosity- for some. Some may not give two hoots about Rips leanings, others might be interested. Seems to have generated some interesting discussion.
People use the boards for different things, for those who are interested in the social views of other board members I think the thread has merit. I mean it's an internet forum, it's for discussion, I feel free to ignore any and all threads I find irrelevant.