- Joined
- Jul 2, 2006
- Messages
- 10,793
- Reaction score
- 1,728
I'm fine with that. I think the level of discourse takes a real nose-dive when shock value topics with little else of substance are presented as worthy of discussion.
I'm fine with that. I think the level of discourse takes a real nose-dive when shock value topics with little else of substance are presented as worthy of discussion.
People make generalizations all the time.
And the responsibility NOT to make offensive generalizations is one we ALL should bear.
If you see a generalization that you think has lumped you into a particular category, discuss how it's unfair, show a different perspective, don't go attacking the poster for offending/insulting you personally - they didn't.
The response to "X (is/does) Y" shouldn't be "I'm offended by that. I (and my peers in X) don't do Y, so stop insulting me." It should examples of why that statement is untrue. When you respond by being personally offended by a generalization, you are actually the one who has started the personal attack by taking it personally.
http://www.denverpost.com/opinion/ci_8964733
Talk show host Bill Maher last week accused Pope Benedict XVI of being a "Nazi" in his youth and heading up a "child-abusing religious cult" — or more precisely, "the Bear Stearns of organized pedophilia."
Now, undoubtedly, there is a treasure trove of amusement to be unearthed at the expense of fallen holy men. But Catholic bashing has gotten so obvious, so tedious, it seems only TV writers find it humorous anymore.
But hey, it's a free country, of course, so feel free to ridicule any group you desire. * See disclaimer below.
...
The exaggerated attacks on the pope, in reality, are politically motivated, more about the church's positions on abortion and gay marriage than abused children. Though I disagree with the church's positions on those issues, frankly it's none of my business.
discuss how it's unfair, show a different perspective, don't go attacking the poster for offending/insulting you personally - they didn't.
you are actually the one who has started the personal attack by taking it personally.
Given that, the MODERATORS should either demand SELF-CONTROL from writers (do not make offensive generalizations, or lies, or troll, or insult groups or individuals) ... or exercise CONTROL to protect the attacked, NOT the attacker.
Apparently you didn't get my point at all Small axe, and you took it personally as well.
By the way, the phrase "freedom of speech" is about restricting the government from abridging your right to it, not about a privately owned message board determining the guidelines for posting.
I'm all for "free speech" ...
As a representative of this privately held message board, I am telling you what I see going on and how I'm going to respond to it.
You are welcome to stay out of P&CE if you don't like it.
I agree with everything you've said, but particularly this. Copping a posture of personal offense/victimhood and using it as an excuse to attack another poster is, IMO, a covert form of bullying. People don't tend to realize it's bullying because it comes from a self-proclaimed "victim," but it is. It forces the accused "offender" on the defensive, effectively derailing the discussion at hand.Addendum A to A Message from Dawno
...
Don't take things posted in this forum so personally. This forum *is* controversial. People are going to have positions and opinions you disagree with. So, disagree with the position, but don't behave as if those posts that disagree with your position are personal attacks. ...
Of course you'll want to hold off until Dawno or another mod replies, but I think it isn't a given topic that's the problem so much as the intent behind any thread that's started. If the OP posts something controversial/inflammatory only for the sake of shock value, that's a problem. If the topic itself is worthy of thoughtful discussion, and especially if the OP has something intelligent to say about it (not just OMG! I'm SCANDALIZED!) then it seems to me it should be okay.Question: What is the status on polygamist topics? I was going to post one in regards to a different sect in Canada but held off as I didn't want it to be deleted. Figure I'd ask before posting anything like that.
Of course you'll want to hold off until Dawno or another mod replies, but I think it isn't a given topic that's the problem so much as the intent behind any thread that's started. If the OP posts something controversial/inflammatory only for the sake of shock value, that's a problem. If the topic itself is worthy of thoughtful discussion, and especially if the OP has something intelligent to say about it (not just OMG! I'm SCANDALIZED!) then it seems to me it should be okay.