Page 18 | For wanting to do a Ouija board for a laugh?

EbbyEbs · 2022-09-24T07:25:12+00:00

Next year DH and I are staying in a castle thought to be the most haunted in Britain. DH says he doesn’t believe in stuff like that, I’m on the fence really but more towards not believing. I think the most likely scenario if ghosts ARE real is that they’re historical residue and not intelligent entities. But even that is a stretch. So, I’d like to do a ouija board when we’re there for a laugh. The castle is in the middle of nowhere so there isn’t much else to do on an evening other than drink (which I don’t do) and watch Netflix! DH is point blank refusing saying he isn’t messing about with stuff like that. But he’s a non believer??! So what’s the harm? If he doesn’t believe in it, am I being unreasonable to ask him to do it?

IAcceptCookies · 27/09/2022 10:29

Sounds sensible enough @ReneBumsWombats , but by the time adulthood is reached it becomes that bit more tricky; people are far less easily convinced or reassured.
After all, they know what they believe, and they know what they saw in their peripheral vision, half asleep, after a few glasses of wine

If we don't give credence to others' "beliefs" then we are disrespectful; if we don't believe or even entertain the possibility of any old tosh for which there is no evidence then we don't have an open mind. Whatcha gonna do?

Besides which, people get a thrill from all this. They want to believe it. They want to be scared. They want to have their sense of the esoteric and arcane, the other realms, good and bad, that bubble below the surface of the visible and mundane, just waiting for a "door" into our world.
Many businesses and individuals make a lot money from this, from your local "psychic" medium to The Horror Channel to Hasbro.
Such beliefs are here for a while yet.

Miffee · 27/09/2022 11:41

If we don't give credence to others' "beliefs" then we are disrespectful; if we don't believe or even entertain the possibility of any old tosh for which there is no evidence then we don't have an open mind. Whatcha gonna do?

It's perfectly acceptable not to give credence to others beliefs, indeed it is encouraged dependending on perceived harm of the belief.

Same with the "open mind" thing. Nobody condemns people for mocking flat Earthers for example.

I react proportionately. Belief in woo isn't harmless, like you said people are upset and frightened by it. Plus charlatans rake it in. Its not the end of the world though, it isn't like vaccine conspiracies. I would always challenge any assertion that anything like this exists but I wouldn't become angry or waste time trying to convince somebody (irl that is, message boards are for when I have time to waste).

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 12:13

@ReneBumsWombats

despite the rage, insults and hypocrisy that you can expect when you state plainly the truth that it's not real,

I find this comment rather strange as all the "rage and insults" I have seen on this thread, are from nonbelievers attacking believers, and not the other way around !

You have said that people can attract evil into their lives but not via board games. But haven't clarified how they would do this?

And no-one so far has explained what the purpose of the Ouija board game is, and what the rules for the game are? Perhaps you could help with that?

Rosehugger · 27/09/2022 12:22

@Psychopomps

This is bullying, not demons

It doesn't matter what it is, if there is psychological harm caused it's best to avoid the possibility.

Rosehugger · 27/09/2022 12:27

What's the evidence that her psychological damage was caused by evil forces coming out of the board?

@ReneBumsWombats

What on earth made you think I was suggesting that the psychological damage was caused by evil forces?

IAcceptCookies · 27/09/2022 12:40

You have said that people can attract evil into their lives but not via board games. But haven't clarified how they would do this?

Well I can’t speak for wombat but I’d imagine the evil they were referring to was more of the human variety. Being able to identify abusers, gaslighters, scammers, bullies… before it’s too late to take evasive action would save a lot more heartbreak than avoiding a ouija board.

Miffee · 27/09/2022 12:43

Rosehugger · 27/09/2022 12:22

@Psychopomps

This is bullying, not demons

It doesn't matter what it is, if there is psychological harm caused it's best to avoid the possibility.

I can agree with this. If you believe in the nonsense in the first place it's best not to engage in something that could frighten or upset you. It should be put in those terms though

ReneBumsWombats · 27/09/2022 12:46

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 12:13

@ReneBumsWombats

despite the rage, insults and hypocrisy that you can expect when you state plainly the truth that it's not real,

I find this comment rather strange as all the "rage and insults" I have seen on this thread, are from nonbelievers attacking believers, and not the other way around !

You have said that people can attract evil into their lives but not via board games. But haven't clarified how they would do this?

And no-one so far has explained what the purpose of the Ouija board game is, and what the rules for the game are? Perhaps you could help with that?

That's funny. I've been called closed minded, small minded, been told the poster didn't give a "flying rat's arse" (I quite like the mental image - is the rat flying, or just its arse?) about what I had to say, that there is something wrong with me, that I am "infuriated", that I am to be pitied, and one poster complained about a load of comments that she had invented.

You have said that people can attract evil into their lives but not via board games. But haven't clarified how they would do this?

You can't think of any ways that people might be tempted or tricked into situations where they are tempted or coerced into immoral things? Without using a Ouija board?

No, I don't believe you. This is just disingenuous deflection.

As for the last bit, why are you asking me for help with a Ouija board when I've made it clear they're bollocks and explained the phenomenon that makes them work? More deflection?

Miffee · 27/09/2022 12:51

And no-one so far has explained what the purpose of the Ouija board game is, and what the rules for the game are? Perhaps you could help with that?

Why don't you Google it? Why are you waiting for an answer in the thread that is very easily answered with Google?

There are dozens of hits for "ouija board game" on Amazon. Have a look there.

ReneBumsWombats · 27/09/2022 12:51

IAcceptCookies · 27/09/2022 12:40

You have said that people can attract evil into their lives but not via board games. But haven't clarified how they would do this?

Well I can’t speak for wombat but I’d imagine the evil they were referring to was more of the human variety. Being able to identify abusers, gaslighters, scammers, bullies… before it’s too late to take evasive action would save a lot more heartbreak than avoiding a ouija board.

Correct. I was also thinking along the lines of, say, not going for private drinks one on one with a sexy coworker when you're married as it can encourage things to happen, or associating with people who try to tell you it's fine to drive after a few pints. That's how you invite evil into your life. Not through talking boards.

Very obvious stuff that really isn't hard to think of or understand.

ReneBumsWombats · 27/09/2022 12:52

Rosehugger · 27/09/2022 12:27

What's the evidence that her psychological damage was caused by evil forces coming out of the board?

@ReneBumsWombats

What on earth made you think I was suggesting that the psychological damage was caused by evil forces?

My apologies, the post was a bit ambiguous.

IAcceptCookies · 27/09/2022 12:57

@Miffee It's perfectly acceptable not to give credence to others beliefs, indeed it is encouraged dependending on perceived harm of the belief.
Same with the "open mind" thing. Nobody condemns people for mocking flat Earthers for example.

Well, of course I agree with all that entirely, but the general response to trying to make the case for a cardboard game being harmless, is much as I described, as we can see from this thread.

People talk of open mindedness whilst, contrarily, maintaining a firm and unwavering opinion about something supernatural, based only on an apocryphal tale about their cousin’s dog walker’s ex-neighbour, and no scientific proof.

People really seem to be very reluctant to be disabused of such notions.🤷🏻‍♀️

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 13:08

I've googled it and it says that it's used to get answers from the "spirit world".
shop.hasbro.com/en-us/product/ouija-game:86117134-5056-9047-F5E1-46EB2553A56A
I'm not sure how that qualifies as a "game" but hey, what do I know?I've googled it and it says that it's used to get answers from the "spirit world".

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 13:08

Whoops, double post there !

IAcceptCookies · 27/09/2022 13:16

If it had flowers and toadstools on, and purported to get answers from the "jolly fairy and elf realm" would you still assume it had bona fide magical powers?
Does the printed phrase "Spirit world" somehow make it genuinely dangerous?

DillDanding · 27/09/2022 13:23

Like monopoly or any other board game, a Ouija board is only fun if everyone wants to play.

Great fun to do at teen parties, but once you’re an adult and understand the thingummy moves only by unconscious collaboration, it’s not much fun at all.

LowbrowVictoriana · 27/09/2022 13:28

The problem here seems to be that lots of adults DON'T realise this @DillDanding !

LowbrowVictoriana · 27/09/2022 13:32

It doesn't matter what it is, if there is psychological harm caused it's best to avoid the possibility

Surely it's better avoided by making it clear that Ouija is harmless, rather than letting youngsters believe there's something woo about it so they should avoid it. Because they won't. Teenagers don't work like that.

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 13:45

@IAcceptCookies Does the printed phrase "Spirit world" somehow make it genuinely dangerous?

No.
The board itself isn't dangerous IMO.
Any "danger" lies with the motivations of the people using it.

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 13:48

@LowbrowVictoriana Surely it's better avoided by making it clear that Ouija is harmless, rather than letting youngsters believe there's something woo about it

That's a bit difficult when it's marketed as being "woo" !

Miffee · 27/09/2022 13:51

It's usually described as a game by manufacturers. I'm guessing that's because "toy" would be too cringe for adults who want to play and saying it can commune with spirits would be unlawful as it isn't true.

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 14:01

@Miffee saying it can commune with spirits would be unlawful as it isn't true.

but that is what it does say!

"Enter the world of the mysterious and mystifying with the Ouija board! You've got questions and the spirit world has answers - and the uncanny Ouija board is your way to get them! What do you want to know? Ask your question with a friend using the planchette that comes with the board, but be patient and concentrate because the spirits can't be rushed. Handle the Ouija board with respect and it won't disappoint you!"

Wandsup · 27/09/2022 14:12

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 14:01

@Miffee saying it can commune with spirits would be unlawful as it isn't true.

but that is what it does say!

"Enter the world of the mysterious and mystifying with the Ouija board! You've got questions and the spirit world has answers - and the uncanny Ouija board is your way to get them! What do you want to know? Ask your question with a friend using the planchette that comes with the board, but be patient and concentrate because the spirits can't be rushed. Handle the Ouija board with respect and it won't disappoint you!"

Basically a 2+ player magic 8 ball.

ReneBumsWombats · 27/09/2022 14:19

I'd be interested to see the box and internal leaflet to see what disclaimers it comes with.

Imtoowettowoo · 27/09/2022 14:27

@IAcceptCookies People really seem to be very reluctant to be disabused of such notions.🤷🏻‍♀️

So who, in your opinion, has the right to tell people what they should think?

People have all sorts of ideas/viewpoints/mindsets that might be quite odd to others, but that doesn't give others the right to try and change them.

To do so is a violation of their assertive rights.