My anecdotal observations of pilot psychology, based on my own interactions, mirror my anecdotal observations of society as a larger whole:
A fairly small percentage of people actually attempt persuasion in discussion. While the persuasion may come from knowledge, beliefs or both, these people tend to avoid appeals to emotion and attempt to see the position others have in an effort to understand and speak to their concerns.
A larger percentage practices some level of avoidant behavior to potential conflict . Obviously most adults attempt to avoid actual physical conflict, but an increasing amount are avoidant of even direct interpersonal communication (they have anxiety in direct interpersonal communication such as face-to-face or on the telephone).
An equal or larger percentage applies brute force in apparent believe that their depth of conviction and righteousness of position will prevail over those who disagree. These people are full of emotion, but project the emotion they feel onto their "opposition". I think the rise of 24/7 infotainment "news" and social media has substantially increased this group in the last 10-20 years.
I think we'd collectively (pilots and society at large) be better off if we did more listening/reading, had more curiousity, participated in more discussion, and acted upon less assumption. I'm certainly not perfect in that regard, but it is always my intent.
I love to discuss and debate, but I'm not gonna argue in a circular manner with people. Not because I'm avoidant or incapable, but because once I determine somebody is unwilling to change their position I decide my time isn't worth wasting. Instead, I pivot in an attempt to inform and educate others, who read but don't actively participate. By actively contributing signal to the situation, hoping to diminish the noise and increase overall value.
I'm glad the B&G exists, it keeps (most) our dirty laundry off public forums such as this. But again, if folks really want a "block" feature, it'd probably be best to skip posting about that on APC or B&G and communicate it directly to the IT Committee and EB.
So...about retirement again?
