Survey On Personal Beliefs About Society

[Francois Tremblay]

Hello! My name is Francois Tremblay and I am conducting an informal survey on the dynamics of belief. I would like you to give your position on the following social forces:
Government, Religion, Nationalism, the Family Structure, and Popular Culture.

For ease of response and compilation, please use the following answer key:
++: I would like it to be a dominant force in society.
+: I think we need more of it.
/: Fine as it is / don't care either way.
-: I think there is too much of it.
--: I would like it to be marginalized or disappear as a social force.

Here is an example answer:
Government- Religion++ Nationalism+ Family/ Popular Culture-

I do not define these terms on purpose, because everyone has a different idea of what they mean. I want to measure people's personal attitude towards these concepts, not a fixed definition. If you dislike the question because it is too vague, then simply don't answer. Try to answer with as general an idea about the concept as possible (for example, if you dislike some governments but would like a certain form of government to become a dominant force in society, then answer ++).

You can give the reasons for your answers, but this is optional.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not a leftist (to say the least), but this survey does not seek to undermine any cultural group. This survey will be posted on many forums which cater to many different perspectives. As I will only note your answers and your general cultural group (i.e. atheist, Christian, socialist, etc), your answers will be kept anonymous.

[BurnTheOliveTree]

Government: --
Religion:--
Nationalism: -------------
Family structure: /
Popular Culture: /


-Alex

[Hate Is Art]

Religion: --
Religion isn't materialist, based on anything scientifically quantifiable, it is not based on love or rational thought, only people's basest fears.

Nationalism: --
Is again Irrational, Nation's as a concept are not natural, borders are arbitrary and meaningless.

Family: /
I think the family unit will be OK, once the presence of religious hatred disappears from people's beliefs about what a family is.

Popular Culture: +
Popular Culture is important in highlighting artistic changes, mass consciousness and what people deem to be 'en vogue'

[Hit The North]

Burn, you're a marketing man's dream - so anxious to answer the questions!

I have a question: why is this thread not relegated to OI and the author restricted given he is not a leftist, but, in fact, "far from it"?

[Eleutherios]

Government --
I am an anarchist.

Religion --
I am an atheist.

Nationalism --
I think the concept of nations creates unnecessary division and conflict, and that the world would be better without them.

Family /
Families are a good thing, but I am not in favor of the "traditional family values" that the Christian right loves so much, i.e. patriarchy, forced monogamy, unquestioning obedience of children to parents, etc.

Popular Culture /
Popular culture is just part of life. It has its positive aspects and its negative aspects. There is no point in opposing it, since it will never go away, and there is no point in trying to actively support it, since popular culture will always be popular by definition. I would certainly like to see the content of popular culture changed, but I can't say I want more of it or less of it.

[BurnTheOliveTree]

Burn, you're a marketing man's dream - so anxious to answer the questions!

I prefer "Eager". :P

Anyway, he doesn't seem to be doing any harm, he's only here briefly and he's asking questions that we'll all have an opinion on. Might as well leave him be.

-Alex

[Fawkes]

Does anyone else think that this guy is a spambot or just a troll?

[RevMARKSman]

Originally posted by Francois [email protected] 21, 2007 03:09 pm
Hello! My name is Francois Tremblay and I am conducting an informal survey on the dynamics of belief. I would like you to give your position on the following social forces:
Government, Religion, Nationalism, the Family Structure, and Popular Culture.

For ease of response and compilation, please use the following answer key:
++: I would like it to be a dominant force in society.
+: I think we need more of it.
/: Fine as it is / don't care either way.
-: I think there is too much of it.
--: I would like it to be marginalized or disappear as a social force.

Here is an example answer:
Government- Religion++ Nationalism+ Family/ Popular Culture-

I do not define these terms on purpose, because everyone has a different idea of what they mean. I want to measure people's personal attitude towards these concepts, not a fixed definition. If you dislike the question because it is too vague, then simply don't answer. Try to answer with as general an idea about the concept as possible (for example, if you dislike some governments but would like a certain form of government to become a dominant force in society, then answer ++).

You can give the reasons for your answers, but this is optional.

FULL DISCLOSURE: I am not a leftist (to say the least), but this survey does not seek to undermine any cultural group. This survey will be posted on many forums which cater to many different perspectives. As I will only note your answers and your general cultural group (i.e. atheist, Christian, socialist, etc), your answers will be kept anonymous.
Government: --
Religion: --
Nationalism: --
The Family Structure: -
Popular Culture: /

Fawkes: probably, but it's a cool thread.

[Francois Tremblay]

No, I am not a spambot or a troll. Just because I am not a leftist does not mean I should only get positions from one side of the spectrum (and you would rightly accuse me of bias if I did).

[Hit The North]

Originally posted by Francois [email protected] 21, 2007 11:22 pm
No, I am not a spambot or a troll. Just because I am not a leftist does not mean I should only get positions from one side of the spectrum (and you would rightly accuse me of bias if I did).
So what are you up to, Francois?

[Francois Tremblay]

I am not "up to" anything. This is an exploratory survey that I posted on many different forums (atheist, Christian, born-again Christian, libertarian, right-wing, left-wing, green, democratic) in order to try to discover something about how people believe.

So far there is a very sharp divide. All religious-oriented (pro and anti) boards have been very nice about it. All the political groups I posted to (except libertarian, but that may due to the fact that they know me) have either questioned my motives or just refused to answer- or in the case of one conservative board, plain kicked me out.

Is this a flaw in my study formulation, or are you just plain not interested?

[Hit The North]

Francois


Is this a flaw in my study formulation, or are you just plain not interested?

While recognizing that you are interested, there's no reason why anyone else should be. But since you ask, your survey approach is restrictive in the context of forums where people are used to debating issues in full. It would be difficult to recognize the nuances of opinion on issues such as government which exists between members of this board, never mind between different political communities, so I doubt the validity of any results you achieve.

Also, you should give full disclosure of what uses any data you do derive will be put to.

[Francois Tremblay]

The survey is not meant to measure nuances of opinions. It is meant to measure general level of belief or self-identification in different areas. You can specify your answer if you want, and I will include that in my data.

[RedAnarchist]

Government --
I'm an anarchist, so anti-government

Religion --
I'm an agnostic and an anarchist, so anti-organised religion

Nationalism --
I'm an internationalist

Family Structure -
The family structure is hierarchical and forces women into domestic servitude.

Popular Culture /
Although a lot of it is not to my tastes, its a good thing to have culture.

[Black Dagger]

Originally posted by Francois [email protected] 22, 2007 09:33 am
The survey is not meant to measure nuances of opinions. It is meant to measure general level of belief or self-identification in different areas. You can specify your answer if you want, and I will include that in my data.
Your questions, like the answers can be interpreteted in a myriad of ways - so many in fact that they say nothing really at all.

How can you possibily learn anything by asking people what they think about stuff that could mean anything to the individual involved?

[apathy maybe]

I am an anti-theistic anarchist who opposes the traditional definition of the family and desires the end of capitalism and the state.

On the issue of "popular culture", I oppose the homogenisation of culture which has been seen with "globalisation". I think that most "popular culture" is forced upon the consumer, who has little choice of what to buy or watch, unless they go out of their way.

And I think this should be moved to shit chat.

[MrDoom]

Government: Depends; government as it exists today: --
A stateless communist/anarchist government consisting of democratic council and technocratic functional sequences for technical issues would be ++++

Religion: ----
Religion is the opium of the masses.

Nationalism: ----
So is patriotism.

Family structure: The current family structure: --
A collectivized, communal family structure would be ++

Popular Culture: /

[Enragé]

Government: --

Religion: -
(against organised religion 100%, not against spirituality per say)

Nationalism: --

The Family Structure: -

Popular Culture: -
(too influenced by capitalism, "materialism")


Religion is the opium of the masses.

yah, but do you understand what that means? (not to be a ***** ;) )

[Patchd]

Francois, what Conservative board did you visit???

[Francois Tremblay]

So far I have posted the survey on Conservative's Forum and Free Conservatives. Conservative's Forum has banned me but Free Conservatives seems to be answering.

[Patchd]

Orite kk. Did you find any fascist ones?

[Connolly]

I hope you publish the results of your findings so we can all have a look at the conclusions you have reached.


Government: - -

What you mean by government is vague. However, there is no "God Given" right for anyone to have authority over another. While in certain circumstances, I would imagine, without an established state, governance is required, be it, carried out on an exceptionally small scale (ie. factory level, community level) by the the democratically elected. Conditions must apply such as being recallable and their authority restricted to very limited extents.

Religion: - -

Besides the fact that its based upon a pile of hocus pocus, I dont think it serves any progressive purpose what-so-ever. It does not set moral values and it does not "keep society together" as most others would suggest. Rather, it serves the purposes of maintaing an injust social system, class system and illegitimate governance.

Nationalism: -

Nationalism can serve progressive purposes. We see this when its used to unite an oppressed under a common banner against an oppressor. Examples would include Ireland, anti-colonial struggles, Palestine and the general resistance against an outside agressor. Its a double edged sword however, and retains too much irrationality for me to consider it something totally necessary and certainly not something I wish to be definite or eternal.

Family Structure: -

This is another very vague thing to ask an opinion on. There have been countless family structures throughout the history of man. I take it you mean the present system, in which case, its total nonsense, and very superficially imposed by religious tradition and institutions. There is no reason to think the present family structure is any more superior than others gone past. Problems arise left right and center due to its present state. Cheating for example, which leaves so many as single parents, and the child without both sexually representative figures. The present family structure is severely restrictive - restrictions we could do without.

Popular Culture: -

Popular culture can be restrictive and alienating, while at the same time brings people together under similarity. Preferably, popular culture would not exist and instead be more individualistic and tolerant, rather than "sheepish" and unaccepting. Popular cultures are mostly influenced and defined by religous institutions and bourgeois corporations - both I wish to eliminate.

These are my views (subject to change) and may not represent the views of the greater community.

[Qwerty Dvorak]

Government: ++
Religion: --
Nationalism: --
Family: /
Popular culture: /

[Pirate Utopian]

Government: --
this government we have in holland is filled with puesdo-theocrats, so i dislike it

Religion: --
fake and hatefull

Nationalism: -
irrational mostly, but i agree with Frantz Fanon about using nationalism of imperialised nations against imperialism

Family structure: /
i havent really read anything much on this, so i dont have much to say on this

Popular Culture: -
right now, fuck it, popular culture will always be here but does it have to be so greedy, ignorant, sexist, etc.?
i love hiphop but most rapartists today dont even uphold the culture, their just using it to score big bucks and drive fancy cars.

[MrDoom]

Originally posted by [email protected] 23, 2007 04:05 pm

Religion is the opium of the masses.

yah, but do you understand what that means? (not to be a ***** ;) )
Of course I do. It doesn't mean it's some "drug" forcefully injected into the proletariat by the bourgeoisie. ;)

[Qwerty Dvorak]

You people really have to read the instructions.

do not define these terms on purpose, because everyone has a different idea of what they mean. I want to measure people's personal attitude towards these concepts, not a fixed definition. If you dislike the question because it is too vague, then simply don't answer. Try to answer with as general an idea about the concept as possible (for example, if you dislike some governments but would like a certain form of government to become a dominant force in society, then answer ++).

[Raúl Duke]

Government --

Again, I'm a Libertatrian Socialist (AKA anarchist); so, its pretty self explanatory.

Religion --

Since you're survey is taliking about social forces; I don't want religion to be a social force affecting our society. I really don't care what delusions people believe; but I would like to see it completly excluded as a social force.

Nationalism --

Nationalism is suppose to be a love of ones nation i.e. national group: German, Puerto Rican. While I'm an internationalist, I see nothing wrong with this. However, nationalism is usually use in the context of being obedient to your nation-state which serves the ruling class interests. This latter definition, which is what passes as nationalism, I completly reject and perfer it to be eliminated.

Family: either between / or -

Some families are harsh to their children and force them into religion while other families are better. It all depends on the family.

Popular Culture: -

Most popular culture is distorted by the social order into a consumerism friendly versions of themselves. I would like to see pop culture free from consumerist elements.

[Sand Castle]

Government ++
I support a communist (Marxist specifically) form of government.


Religion +
I like the idea of religous values and religous diversity.

Nationalism -

Family --

Popular Culture -------------------------
This is what is causing all the problems of modern society.

[Pirate Utopian]

popular culture?, yes MTV wrecker of nations!

[Enragé]

I support a communist (Marxist specifically) form of government.

communism has no government :rolleyes:

[Sand Castle]

Originally posted by [email protected] 24, 2007 01:52 am

I support a communist (Marxist specifically) form of government.

communism has no government :rolleyes:
I know, but the person taking the survey is not one of us so I wanted to put it in a way they could understand.

[Hit The North]

I've just received a pm from Francois asking why he can't reply on this thread, which he originated. I'm guessing it's because he's now a restricted member and lacks permission.

So can the Mod move this thread to OI so he can participate?

Cheers :)

[which doctor]

Moved to OI.

[Francois Tremblay]

Is anyone else a taker for the survey?

[wtfm8lol]

Government:--
Religion:--
Nationalism:--
Family structure: -
Pop culture: --

[Qwerty Dvorak]

Originally posted by [email protected] 27, 2007 11:05 pm
Government:--
Religion:--
Nationalism:--
Family structure: /
Pop culture: /
So you're pretty much just angry then

[Qwerty Dvorak]

Originally posted by patton+February 27, 2007 11:08 pm--> (patton @ February 27, 2007 11:08 pm)
Originally posted by [email protected] 27, 2007 11:05 pm

[email protected] 27, 2007 11:05 pm
Government:--
Religion:--
Nationalism:--
Family structure: /
Pop culture: /
So you're pretty much just angry then
Yes i hate everything!!! [/b]
Sounds good

[dogwoodlover]

Government: --
Religion: --
In regards to organized religion, not neccessarily spirituality.
Nationalism: --
Family structure: ++
I would like to see communal family structures, ones devoid of patriarchy and sexism.
Popular Culture: -
In its current state I absolutely despise it.

[The Feral Underclass]

Originally posted by Francois [email protected] 21, 2007 09:09 pm
Hello! My name is Francois Tremblay and I am conducting an informal survey on the dynamics of belief.
I don't see how you can do that on an Internet forum?


I would like you to give your position on the following social forces:
Government, Religion, Nationalism, the Family Structure, and Popular Culture.

I don't make the connection between your desire to understand the 'dynamics of belief' and these "concepts"?


For ease of response and compilation, please use the following answer key:
++: I would like it to be a dominant force in society.
+: I think we need more of it.
/: Fine as it is / don't care either way.
-: I think there is too much of it.
--: I would like it to be marginalized or disappear as a social force.

Asking people to reply to your questions with symbols is perhaps the most ludicrous way of "conducting an informal survey on the dynamics of belief".


I do not define these terms on purpose, because everyone has a different idea of what they mean. I want to measure people's personal attitude towards these concepts, not a fixed definition.

Why do you want to do that!


If you dislike the question because it is too vague, then simply don't answer. Try to answer with as general an idea about the concept as possible (for example, if you dislike some governments but would like a certain form of government to become a dominant force in society, then answer ++).

Your "survey" is meaningless, pointless and annoying.

Thread closed.