Discussion: Racism - Part 2

[Donner]

Sure, but it's a sad state of affairs when nobody can ever make a mistake or say something they shouldn't have said. We're living in an age where someone's reputation, career, or life can be ruined by a distasteful or unacceptable comment. That's quite a scary prospect. I find it strangely ironic that the people who will tell others to watch what they say and never make a mistake are they same people who feel entitled to spew vitriol online or threaten people for their transgressions.

Discrimination is bad, but unless we're talking David Duke levels of scumbagness should it really ruin someone's life? IMO this level of over-reaction has the opposite effect and instead of stopping reasonable folks from saying questionable things actually emboldens and radicalizes actual racists more - because they know they can create and achieve an extreme reaction.

Well, it depends on whether it's just a one time mistake or not. A slip of the tongue can be overlooked, but after a while, a pattern might start to emerge. I don't believe that anyone should get away with cyber bullying, for instance, or death threats. And that goes for people who are in their ivory tower and vilify someone for a comment they've made.

I make a habit of warning people in Facebook comments who are continuously using hateful language that someone might take screenshots of what they say and send it to their bosses (or whoever). That usually shuts the person up or gets them to use better language. I think it's pretty sad that people can't talk to one another without resorting to vitriol and general unpleasantness. I once debated with a woman on Twitter about gun control and her followers tweeted me back saying I was too ugly to rape and that's why I don't carry a gun. Just unnecessary ********.

 

[terry78]

It's become a lot of the younger set that was kind of raised to become almost insanely tolerant and they kind of go overboard. Gender fluid, insulting anyone that is even remotely a minority even if it's not geared towards their background is grounds for being a bigot, etc. I'm black and even I think it's a little much at times.

 

[DeadPresident]

Well, it depends on whether it's just a one time mistake or not. A slip of the tongue can be overlooked, but after a while, a pattern might start to emerge. I don't believe that anyone should get away with cyber bullying, for instance, or death threats. And that goes for people who are in their ivory tower and vilify someone for a comment they've made.

I make a habit of warning people in Facebook comments who are continuously using hateful language that someone might take screenshots of what they say and send it to their bosses (or whoever). That usually shuts the person up or gets them to use better language. I think it's pretty sad that people can't talk to one another without resorting to vitriol and general unpleasantness. I once debated with a woman on Twitter about gun control and her followers tweeted me back saying I was too ugly to rape and that's why I don't carry a gun. Just unnecessary ********.

Yeah, I definitely agree, if it's a habitual thing or clearly an established part of someone's world view then obviously they shouldn't be surprised if they're targeted with equal amounts of vitriol. It's just completely bizarre that people who allegedly espouse liberal values would then go as far as death threats or doxxing someone for an unacceptable remark - the whole liberal fascism thing is quite strange.

Overall I agree mostly with the second paragraph though, it really seems like reasonable discourse has taken a knock. Social media is honestly the worst way for people to engage with one another, especially on social topics where emotions might run high. Social media really appears to have damaged how people engage with one another.

It's become a lot of the younger set that was kind of raised to become almost insanely tolerant and they kind of go overboard. Gender fluid, insulting anyone that is even remotely a minority even if it's not geared towards their background is grounds for being a bigot, etc. I'm black and even I think it's a little much at times.

A lot of the extreme behavior does seem to be a millennial thing, yeah - but I've also noticed Gen Xers that absolutely lose their minds as well. Social media really feels like it's the common denominator for me, it turns reasonable people into adolescents.

 

[Donner]

Social media is a cancer. I can't name any benefits of it.

 

[Greens]

Social media is a cancer. I can't name any benefits of it.

Twitter has a bunch of benefits. It only sucks if you let it.

 

[Donner]

The only thing I can see is marketing. But that's problematic in itself as well.

 

[Greens]

Twitter is a great news aggregator. It allows people to reach out when live coverage of an event is needed. It allows me to follow people I admire or who I think have worthwhile things to say. It allows me to come in contact with people who were previously distant and unreachable.

 

[DeadPresident]

Twitter might be a useful tool in terms of content, but the method and nature of interaction it encourages among its users is ****ing terrible.

 

[terry78]

Every technology will eventually find someone figure out how to use it for nefarious purposes.

 

[DeadPresident]

Generally, yeah. But the ones that provide absolute anonymity are usually by far the worst.

 

[Greens]

Just because a part of the userbase is dysfunctional doesn't mean the entire tool is invalidated. Just don't follow the crazy people. They have always been there, on and off Twitter.

 

[DeadPresident]

The tool isn't invalidated, but I don't think it's as simple as just a segment of the users. Before I deleted Twitter I followed athletes, academics, local politicians, bands, and journalists - and without fail everything except the most mundane post would attract some kind of over the top reaction. I just think Twitter is that kind of place, it's certainly not everyone but it's a huge part of the user base.

IMO the comments sections of most sites, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc tend to be absolute cesspools.

 

[Greens]

I agree about the comment sections. I only, without fail, look at the original post. The only website where I find the comments to be as important as the original content is Reddit.

 

[DeadPresident]

That's a good habit. As a news aggregator Twitter is perfectly fine, but as a platform for people to engage on it's a real nightmare. Responsible social media use really needs to become a course or something in high schools.

 

[chaseter]

We have become a society of triggered people, and a lot of it is backlash from the sins of the fathers unfortunately.

Agree. So many agrees in here what is happening to me!?

 

[MessiahDecoy123]

The comment section are people showing their true colors.

That's the sad/pathetic part.


On a positive note, they're outnumbered by everyone else, for the most part.

 

[Hotwire]

So, this showed up on my cousin's Facebook page.


And here's the exchange that followed.





Racism hurts just a bit more when it's coming from family.

 

[Docker2.0]

The tool isn't invalidated, but I don't think it's as simple as just a segment of the users. Before I deleted Twitter I followed athletes, academics, local politicians, bands, and journalists - and without fail everything except the most mundane post would attract some kind of over the top reaction. I just think Twitter is that kind of place, it's certainly not everyone but it's a huge part of the user base.

IMO the comments sections of most sites, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, etc tend to be absolute cesspools.

Bro I use those comment sections to show people who say that racism doesn't exist, that it does indeed exist. When people "use facts" they use it to justify being racist.........like some people do here.

Sorry to hear about what you are going through Hotwire. But it's crazy what is going on now. It's like the 60's all over again. I really think things will get crazier before it's all said and done. Especially if some how Trump gets impeached.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

Anyone seen the second Philando Castile video? How did they just let the cop off...

Also, have to love how quiet the NRA is. I guess gun ownership is based around color for them.

 

[Sawyer]

Also, have to love how quiet the NRA is. I guess gun ownership is based around color for them.

The bigger shock to me would've been if they actually rallied around Castile.

 

[DarthSkywalker]

The bigger shock to me would've been if they actually rallied around Castile.

I know. But then people will argue the NRA aren't race based in who and what support.

 

[Laderlappen]

I know. But then people will argue the NRA aren't race based in who and what support.

But Black Lives Matter is. When have they supported white victims?

 

[Docker2.0]

But Black Lives Matter is. When have they supported white victims?

Not a BLM supporter but BLM for cases like Castle's. It's crazy how some people can't see that.

 

[hellified]

But Black Lives Matter is. When have they supported white victims?

what sense does that make? Thats like saying MLK was racist because his focus was on black people during the civil rights marches...

 

[Lighthouse]

Stupid women's suffrage! When did they ever care about men voters?