thread to watch

[Dave Blake]

Yes, I think there is intent on the part of WasteSomeTime to provoke anger within the Indian community. He's written some other stupid posts in the past.

This is good information to have. We won't all have the same level of knowledge about someone. This will result in us handling situations differently. In this situation Laura did less where as Augy might have done more.

Laura got a nice PM from azawright that good. The fact that he did that gives me a better feeling about him.

 

[eric12341]

I have to agree with palandri on this one. Being a minority myself and being a sociology graduate I can say that comment he made was most definitely racist. We have quite a few racist people on this site, some of which have been banned (JCAgga, hiiiiiiii, and socialcarpet) Tbonenga is also homophobic and may be a little racist as well.

 

[Dave Blake]

Next question. I know all racism is wrong but are there degrees of racism that are acceptable on this forum?

Here is a quote that was posted in the Boston Marathon bombing thread. "Because firing with an unmanned plane controlled by a guy in another continent from 50,000 ft is very brave..."

No person making racist comments is okay. I understand and agree with that. Is there ever a time where someone might post something with no malicious intent but it still be a racist comment. Is it okay to not ban the person in this instance? I PM'ed the author of that gem and told him not to post something like that again or he would be banned per our racial comments rules. I think he is calling Americans cowards. To me that is a racist comment. I got a FU filled reply which prompted me to ban the guy. Was I wrong? Did I abuse the racial comments rule because I was pissed about the content of that quote?

I am still wondering if an off the collar racist remark that was not meant to cause harm and was not directed at any community member. Is that something we should ban someone for?

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

I think sometimes we need to allow some breathing room. I say this because as an autistic person, I am a little socially... ******** shall we say (if you tell my ex I said the R word she will kill me!) I often say things that cause offence without meaning to.

 

[palandri]

Next question. I know all racism is wrong but are there degrees of racism that are acceptable on this forum?

Here is a quote that was posted in the Boston Marathon bombing thread. "Because firing with an unmanned plane controlled by a guy in another continent from 50,000 ft is very brave..."

No person making racist comments is okay. I understand and agree with that. Is there ever a time where someone might post something with no malicious intent but it still be a racist comment. Is it okay to not ban the person in this instance? I PM'ed the author of that gem and told him not to post something like that again or he would be banned per our racial comments rules. I think he is calling Americans cowards. To me that is a racist comment. I got a FU filled reply which prompted me to ban the guy. Was I wrong? Did I abuse the racial comments rule because I was pissed about the content of that quote?

I am still wondering if an off the collar racist remark that was not meant to cause harm and was not directed at any community member. Is that something we should ban someone for?

Like I said, everyone has prejudices and biases. I am sure most people have a different view on Muslims and Islam now than they had 15 years ago. I know I do. Any religion and I mean any religion bothers me more now than 15 years ago.

The comment on the Boston bombing shows we aren't loved all around the world. A lot of Americans don't realize that. If you want to make a Frenchman mad, bring up George Bush. France wouldn't follow him into Iraq and that started a chain reaction (basically government sponsored). Changing french fries to american fries, french toast to american toast, dumping french wine in the toilet, Louisiana politicians taking down their french websites, all the jokes about the french being cowards. Even today if you bring up George Bush in France, you will get a very emotional reaction.

When I was in high school I made a comment in a social studies class that native Americans got jew'ed. I had no idea that was referring to Jews. I though it meant when you got the bad end of a deal. The teacher exploded at me for saying that and never explained why and sent me to the principals office and demanded that I get suspended. I still didn't know what I did wrong. So yes, it can happen.

 

[rockstarzzz]

Next question. I know all racism is wrong but are there degrees of racism that are acceptable on this forum?

Here is a quote that was posted in the Boston Marathon bombing thread. "Because firing with an unmanned plane controlled by a guy in another continent from 50,000 ft is very brave..."
I am still wondering if an off the collar racist remark that was not meant to cause harm and was not directed at any community member. Is that something we should ban someone for?

I think most places should have either zero tolerance for racism or be willing to accept racism as a banter that will just be that - banter, no offense, nothing serious.

But in a public domain like our forum, the fine line between banter and offense is very fine. Anyone using forums should really know that how easy it is to offend someone miles away on the other side of computer. Forum etiquette.

Even if remarks like that aren't directed at anyone in particular, it only takes a random reader to come across that post and quote a reply and before we know that thread will be a racism ****fest!

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

So yeah, in that case then a zero tolerance approach. But we need to be aware of autistic readers etc, who may not realise what they're saying is offensive. Just be aware also, some autistic readers could take offence to you calling them out. If that happens, I may have to step in.

 

[Dave Blake]

I we are a 100% zero tolerance policy website. We are not a jump to conclusions and ban someone website. We need to have clear vision of intent before banning someone. If a post contains racial remarks remove it. Use your judgment and clear vision to determine intent then take the necessary action. In my experience a PM will draw out intent. Someone who made a mistake will be apologetic and concerned with their reply. Others will use a completely different approach in their reply. I would say always start with deleting the post and cleaning the thread then PM the offender. Gauge the reply it will usually make clear the persons intent.

 

[Daniel Ratcliffe]

What I would suggest if someone acts apologetic and concerned is to send a message to Dave or James. They can then guide the person on how to avoid saying something accidentally racist. Heck I've done it myself.