On flaming

[kinvore.livejournal.com]

Okay, flaming isn't against the rules per se, but I really don't want to see this forum becoming another nasty "you're stupid", "no, YOU'RE stupid" cesspool. Please, try to attack the opinion instead of the person giving it.

GOOD: I disagree with you. Here are my reasons.
BORDERLINE: That has got to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Here's why.
BAD (but technically still allowed): You are a retard. Here's why.
WORSE: You are a retard.

No one's getting banned for flaming unless that is ALL they do. And yes, at times we can't help but get emotional over these issues, we find them to be important. It also adds a bit of drama that some people love to watch, but it also scares others away who are hoping to be able to state their opinion without getting attacked on a personal level for it. As we're just starting out, I would hate to see that.

But this will be the last time I will even bring it up. I believe on a hands off approach for this forum, and I believe in free speech for all, even that which we find offensive. I'm just asking: let's try to be adults here and discuss things rationally. Fuckknuckles.

Comments

[savagemind.livejournal.com]

No, I'm sure you're offended because "retard" describes a group of people with a certain type of mental handicap. There was a time when words like "idiot", "moron", and "imbecile" were the technical terms for people of lower intelligence or with mental handicaps as well. I don't see anyone getting offended at their usage.

[kinvore.livejournal.com]

Dude, "retard" is not the preferred nomenclature.

[savagemind.livejournal.com]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation

That's my point. It's becoming as outdated as a description of people with a certain mental handicap as "idiot" or "imbecile".

[shadowyphantom.livejournal.com]

What about "mongoloid"? You never hear that term used anymore ...

[savagemind.livejournal.com]

And since when is it okay to call a Native American an "American Indian" all of a sudden? WTF happened?

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

Why is that a problem?

[savagemind.livejournal.com]

There was a time when "Indian" was a derogatory term.

[the-rukh.livejournal.com]

I think its not so much 'derogatory' as incorrect and confusing.

[savagemind.livejournal.com]

I think that both are true.