Do No Evil – Personal attacks, racial epithets, and a host of stereotypes are not uncommon at Propeller. What does it take to stay above the fray? "Prejudices are rarely overcome by argument; not being founded in reason they cannot be destroyed by logic." Tyron Edwards once said. So where do we go from here?
I don't think it takes a saint to rise above the personal attacks and bigotry. In fact, I think it's very least a member of Propeller could do, but maybe I'm too optimistic?
The only suggestion I have is: make it a point never to reply to personal attacks/bigotry under any circumstances. Just report such comments as abusive, rate them negatively and let them flap in the wind.
Awww c'mon Neo, not even one little insult for payback?
I know what cha mean Bronxy, when I see a screen name that is intended to insult, and then what I perceive to be an arrogant bully swagger in, well, it just brings out the best in me.
I take the bait and dish a little of my own. Generally I take this with some humour, and am delighted if my adversary loses his. I'm just a sick puppy, that's all.
Do you think it takes a saint to explain why comments are in violation of the TOU, when that "saint" is the one who removed them?
I am still waiting for an explanation from you. I assume it will not be anything stereotypical about me being conservative, or about you being the butt of the comments, which were true.
But maybe I'm an optimist.
THIS is NOT a personal attack, this is an attempt to find out what I did wrong.
I will message this to you so there is a permanent record of this comment, even if it is deamed in violation of the TOU.
As much as I would like to agree I cannot/will not allow a personal or bigoted attack just slide by without commenting. Unfortunately this usually means sinking to the level of the individual that made the insult for that is the only certain way that a person has of reaching them. Using multisyllabic PC words in response are an exercise in futility for those to whom they are directed haven't the ability to comprehend what you are saying.
I notice that if I'm stressed, tired and cranky, I'm more likely to rate attacks/bigotry/needling negatively--or respond in kind. If I'm more relaxed, it's easier just to ignore them, or engage in friendly banter.
Maybe Propeller should offer an attitude adjustment screen before allowing us to post.
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A stereotype is a fixed, rigid, and commonly held notion or image of a person or group; it is based on an oversimplification of some observed or imagined trait of behavior or appearance. Usually based on inaccurate information or assumptions rather than facts, stereotypes are generalizations about people . They do not acknowledge the great diversity of people within a group. Nor do stereotypes consider the present circumstances of the individual. Even worse, stereotypes often lead to prejudicial or discriminatory conduct.
How am I doing with this at Propeller.com? I suppose each of us could as that question too. Would it help?
I know what you mean Spadecaller. Some people have been calling me a Sock Puppet. How sick is that? =D
Ummm, you do realize...?
That I'm cute? Ah,...go on!
You look like you may be edible to me?? What is your weight??
Do you have a short fur coat or are you like one of those naked rats or dogs?
I'm more like an old tube sock!
With buttons sewn on and a hand jammed up your rear. So, you're a...come on...
A Republican? Wow, how did you know that?
Is this Big G all dressed up with nowhere to go?
No More Years! No More Years!
It brings tears to my eyes.
375 days 8 hours to go.
You rang? Oh, you must have been looking for the other guy.
Happy New Year. Haven't seen you in a while.
I thought you meant the OTHER Big G.
Happy New Year to you as well Walden. I have been in and out lately - a lot of work and not enough time.
Just throwing dirt! woo!
Sock,
LOL! That's awsome...
...may you never catch Toxic Sock Syndrome...
Thanks. I practice safe socks.
But some people live up to stereotypes and it's haaaaaaaard to resist sinking to their level like a rock. ;-(
I agree with that statement, I have allowed myself to sink in the beginning now I just neg them.
I usually won't neg anyone. I have to work on just ignoring them as I'm sure some feel about me.
Same here, I rarely neg, more often ignore. I've also grown a thick skin. I know I'm quite argumentative and probably aggravating at times, but I try to live by a few basic rules:
1. Labels add nothing to a discussion, so I try to skip them and then see whether there is any content left. If not, then it's time to skip the whole message.
2. Focus on the topic rather than the person making the comment.
3. Disagreement doesn't make a comment "bad" only hatred and insults do.
4. Anything is fair game for discussion; there are no sacred cows.
5. I should be as tolerant of others' view as I expect them to be of my views.
6. Facts beat opinions, but opinions are valid if they are well reasoned and/or supported by facts.
7. Bullies tend to attack the weak, so don't show weakness. Although I appreciate the little stories people reveal about themselves, I've seen those stories turned against them. On the flip side, what's the point of attacking you if you don't care?
Bless you my child! :o} Propeller finally has a real saint posting here. (besides me, that is)
...you could always engage in 'hit and pun' attacks, kinda quip 'em into shape...
Yikes.
Whoa! Put the brakes on Shadowolf, Stop and remember this is a two-way street.
...Sesame Street???
Good one shadowolf - that's a great way to fight the negativity! Hit 'em with a few great puns and send 'em off!
Candida:
I agree with some of your comments; but the source of suffering, strength, and joy is often perceived as weakness. That source comes from abandoning my pride and ego just enough to be who I am whereever I go and with whoever I'm with. I may not like the conduct of a few, but no one bullys me unless I allow that, which I don't. Some think it's weakness to let people know their feelings. I don't.
Take it or leave it; this is who I am. And, when I run into difficulties, why should there be any shame in asking for the support of other human beings?
Some people perceive that as a weakness -- to need others. I don't see it that way. Some people rather drive around lost on the road for hours before stoping to ask directions.
I was once that way; it nearly killed me. If a woman cries is it weakness? If a man cries, is it weakness? The weakest seem to think so.
No, I don't think expressing feelings is a weakness; as I said I quite appreciate it. The problem is that it's exploited by some, so if you don't want to be hurt, you either have to be less forthcoming, or grow a thick skin, or both. It's a trade-off. The more open you are, the more vulnerable you become. I chose to reveal relatively little about my life, but that's a personal choice.
(When I say "you," I mean it as the general you, not necessarily you personally. I've seen this happen to several people.)
Thank you. I'm not a novice to this kind of stuff. I have been on the front lines for years with this kind of stuff. We see the "trade off" differently. Instead of growing more hardened, I found a different way that works for me. I appreciate your comments. Sometimes, I get confused when someone writes "you"...
Well, let's also remember that there's duds and freaks that are responsible for the existence of stereotypes in the first place - by being the ones that ARE the stereotypes. It's kind of like being a seditious, left-wing '60s "peace" protester before anyone notices that such scum can actually be defined as a group of nearly identical low-lifes that are aiding enemies of the US and making even more war and violence in the world. Remember, it's neither prejudice or stereotyping to despise each person in a group as an individual (an individual that lacks the creativity to do something do something different than each other individual maggot in the group, that is). There's no point in excessive civility if it keeps you from identifying and abusing fools and fiends that ply their garbage on the Web. :-)
BTW, I had to get someone to explain to me what a "dumb blonde" was in 4th grade, 'cause the only blonde girl in my class was a near-genius chiropractor's kid. LOL!
Best is that Mexicans are a race and those opposed to illegal immigration and Mexicans taking over this country are racist. Mexico is a whiter country than the U.S... and has a lower unempolyment than here.
Exactly, the problem is trying not to fall victim into utilizing such notions or images when discussing critical topics like politics and religion, or even controversial topics dealing with everyday issues.
It's amazing, as well as regrettable, we are the only species which seems to do this, despite the fact we've advanced beyond the technical scope of our ancestors and forefathers. It seems we still tend to stereotype others regardlessly whenever something comes up. Either with everyday or controversial events, we tend getting ensnared within the stereotypical net even when we know better.
And even more disturbing, we exemplify this behaviour on the internet, when we know we'd never act like this in public. Though you might know some who'd make Archie Bunker look like a saint.
The thing is, we need to start keeping an open mind with others instead of making critical, snap judgments than actually examine the genuine facts.
Great article, btw, Spadecaller.
"Usually based on inaccurate information or assumptions rather than facts, stereotypes are generalizations about people."
Stereotypes seem to be a natural phenomenon, a sort of statistically-based heuristic or rule of thumb. For example, a number of studies show that males and females have preferences that can be loosely statistically predicted for a group within a given culture.
Yet, a specific individual may not fit the stereotype, resulting in a misinterpretation, miscommunication, or even injustice. Heuristics can be useful, similar to shorthand notation. They can save time. We need to have a certain level awareness when we choose to rely on one.
memestryker,
Excellent points!
Heuristics would be the most common way for people to categorize each other without getting detailed information. It really is in our nature to categorize and/or label things we deal with to make it easier to file in our brains and refer to later. Unfortunately, when we categorize individuals or groups we automatically make many assumptions based on our individual and social experiences, environments, and educations. This becomes stereotyping.
Over time people have gotten to know each other on these threads and gain enough information to see them as individuals. But, also understand that individuals identify themselves with certain beliefs and/or groups. So, separating a person's individuality from an identified group sometimes becomes blurred.
I have seen many times on Propeller the misidentification of one person on another person's gender, race, religious beliefs, age, or cultural background based on what a person may write one time.
Man, don't let these racist haters on here bother you.
You gotta kick back, dust off yo shoulders, just like the Jay-Z song.
What's fun about posting on these boards is you can express extreme views, just to get a reaction, and draw out others' prejudices... (or, you can present a reasoned intellectual argument and be ignored).
Haven't we had enough hatred? Why haven't we learned? What have stereotypes and prejudice done to humanity so far? Isn't this enough?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqslHg-x1rk