Are calls for unity doomed from the beginning?
My own opinion is that, at least on DU we are, despite our wonderful difference of opinion and our diverse range of thought, quite united. I also think the best call for unity is not a post that calls for unity.
A post that inspires or explains a position has a much better chance of getting people behind it. The posts that get my attention and make me want to join in, show problems, explain issues, show solutions clearly or tell of a brave and compassionate stand someone made.
Whenever I see a call for unity post, I pretty much see three basic patterns,
1. The OP started out with something divisive and implied that another side was bad so the post was trash from the beginning.
2. One of the first posts points out that the other side is the bad guy and the original call is lost in the wash of arguments.
3. One of the first posts picks out something to make decisive and the argument then spirals and the original post is lost in the wash of arguments.
I originally thought I would ask, "Can we all agree that posts that call for unity almost always end up being divisive?" but I figured it would start an argument if I did. I probably shouldn't even put this question here as an afterthought.
I won't voice my suspicion about the failure of these "Call for Unity!" posts but it isn't aliens. (It's aliens.)