Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Stuebi]

I have no idea what the English variant of this class is, Google Translate says "Universal Education" and "General Knowledge" which fits good enough I guess. Basically, you learn about politics, how to write proper letters, improve your grammar where needed, stuff like that. Im a bit  bored from time to time, since im doing a second apprenticeship and a lot of this stuff is VERY boring for a 21 year old Techie, but I actually USUALLY enjoy the political discussions we have.

USUALLY.

For an upcoming project, our teacher wants each class to pose as a political group with set goals and ideas, and then hold a big discussion on a multitude of topics. I was put into a group with a Guy that thinks VERY differently from me. Seriously, our views on politics and life could only be more different if I was a freaking right-extremist Wookie. This wouldnt be an issue when we're arguing on different sides, but now we're in a group. We couldnt even agree on ONE damn thing to write as a headline, instead arguing like we usually do, which is fine in any other situation, but in preperation of a GRADED MIND YOU project, it sucks majorly.

He wants to establish "getting rid of capitalism" as one of our major headlines. Our teacher says we should discuss each idea out and reach an agreement, and sadly he didnt accept my dismissive snort of laughter as an actual argument.

Yeah dude, lets get rid of capitalism. I just hop on my Magic Pony over here, and then clap my red shoes together three times while burping the national anthem, and BAM. Afterwards we might as well tackle a cure for cancer and then get rid of starvation all over the planet. And im CONFIDENT that we will be able to shove dinner in between that and world peace. Im a fast eater, lets do it!

Asshat.

[Vector]

You'll probably be even more upset because the teacher likely set you up to have precisely this experience, for development of character and negotiation skills.

[Elephant Parade]

Well, are these goals intended to be realistic? If not, the intent to abolish capitalism might lead to interesting discussions.

If you disagree, you'll need to compromise. You pick half the points and he picks half the points.

You'll probably be even more upset because the teacher likely set you up to have precisely this experience, for development of character and negotiation skills.

Seems possible. It may have just been random, but the ability to deal with people is a useful skill to have.

[Vector]

Having briefly worked as a teacher, I can almost guarantee it.

[Elephant Parade]

Also, it's important to keep in mind that the difference in opinions probably annoys him just as much as it annoys you. Unless he's trying to pick ALL of the group's opinions, in which case you have every right to be irritated.

[Stuebi]

Currently, its only serving to makes us both angry at each other. I would be fine if we could argue for our points seperately, but we're supposed to stand up for ALL of them and talk them trough to the other groups. And I just cant argue something from heart if I dont believe in it, or deem it unrealistic. Just plain doesnt work. It would aslo be stupid to agree on 50-50 when some of the stuff contradicts itself.

I mean, people-skills, whoopdie-diddle-doo, I deal with them on a daily basis, no way around it. But this is throwing a cat and a  Dog into the same cage and expecting them to form a political party.

Also, it's important to keep in mind that the difference in opinions probably annoys him just as much as it annoys you. Unless he's trying to pick ALL of the group's opinions, in which case you have every right to be irritated.

Im aware that he is annoyed, but the situation just seems unfair. Its basically DEMANDING that one of us throws his principles over board for this one discussion.

I mean, I have no problem playing his best buddy for 30 minutes, pretending that I agree on all the stuff he wants to put out. But that would be 30 minutes of me quoting other politicians, reading from articles and generally being about as boring as you can get.

I talked about this to the prof. and he was dissapointed. Considering that I am very able in terms of speech and discussion, he'd probably grade me pretty well, but he wants it to be honest and would be sad if I just played political-puppet for the duration of the talk.

I think hes a tad too fixated on the whole "respect everyones opinion" thing. He concluded from my style of arguing that im too dismissive and judgmental of others, when they have certain attitudes or beliefs, and hes dead set on fixing it by throwing every-bigger polar opposites at me. But firstly it doesnt work, I cant help myself that someone who says stuff like "Lets get rid of capitalism" gets a smirk from my side. Theres a line of nonsense that I just consider laughable, no matter how courteous I am about it. And secondly, what kind of method is this? Smacking my head against this 40 feet brick-wall until im so frustrated that i'll bite, just to get it over with?

I realise this may seem awfully antagonistic, but I have enough shit on my head as it is. And now im supposed to devote energy, nerves, ESPECIALLY nerves and heart into something that just makes me want to dig out my higher brainfunctions with a spoon.

[kaijyuu]

This whole thing sounds like a good, if unpleasant, experience for you.

[Darvi]

You should totally use Mother 3 as an example for why capitalism is evul.

[Neonivek]

You should totally use Mother 3 as an example for why capitalism is evul.

Because it was the cause and solution to all problems?

[Darvi]

I find that you can absolutely complete it without wasting a single DP. Buying equipment just more easy, seductive is.

[nenjin]

Argh. Day before a nice, brain-melting trip I'm starting to come down with something. Best way to ensure you come back from an auction trip a total wreck is to be sick in the middle of it.

[Elephant Parade]

-snip-

Well, compromising and debate are important skills. Talk to the teacher, maybe?

Also, you could just both only/mostly debate on the points you made.

[GiglameshDespair]

Argh. Day before a nice, brain-melting trip I'm starting to come down with something. Best way to ensure you come back from an auction trip a total wreck is to be sick in the middle of it.

When I read 'nice, brain-melting trip' I did not expect it to be an auction trip.

[My Name is Immaterial]

Stuebi, have you considered making a joke party? Like Vermin Supreme, the "Everyone gets a free pony" guy, orJimmy McMillan, founder of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party (who is not a joke, while still being very funny).
When I had a similar assignment, I made a Pirate Party.

[nenjin]

Argh. Day before a nice, brain-melting trip I'm starting to come down with something. Best way to ensure you come back from an auction trip a total wreck is to be sick in the middle of it.

When I read 'nice, brain-melting trip' I did not expect it to be an auction trip.

Auction trips usually involve getting up super early, making a flight, touching down, going straight to work. The day of the auction starts for us at 7am, and is usually no less than 12 hour day spent at a keyboard non-stop with an auctioneer shouting right next to you. If we're really lucky, it will go 15 hours. And then we get up again at the crack of dawn the next day to fly home.

Under the best of conditions, I come back from auctions feeling totally wiped out. If I'm sick, I'm going to want to die.