What @Jackpot shared was very powerful and thought provoking. I don't think anyone here ignored it. I also don't think anyone in this thread disagrees that it was right for the comments made by Colin to be challenged and it was absolutely right for the Mods to take action. The only point up for debate was the length of the ban given the full circumstances seemed harsh. A private conversation between the Mods and Colin and short cooling off period would probably have been sufficient. Please also don't mistake people trying to be humerous as not understanding or taking onboard what is being said. I fully understand the negative impact of racism or of any hurtful comments directed at anyone. It is not acceptable. However it is also important to be able to challenge things that we perceive to be unfair and there is absolutely nothing wrong with trying to be humorous if the intention is purely to try and make people laugh or smile.I'm pretty disgusted @Jackpot shared something really powerful and everyone ignores it and starts taking the **** again and thinks its a joke...
Just shows the worth of the people posting... And the term wouldn't pis$$ on them if they were on fire comes to mind
I'm pretty disgusted @Jackpot shared something really powerful and everyone ignores it and starts taking the **** again and thinks its a joke...
Just shows the worth of the people posting... And the term wouldn't pis$$ on them if they were on fire comes to mind
I'm pretty disgusted @Jackpot shared something really powerful and everyone ignores it and starts taking the **** again and thinks its a joke...
Just shows the worth of the people posting... And the term wouldn't pis$$ on them if they were on fire comes to mind
I would like to point out @VeeMonroe point of non-university-educated boomers... is a load of tosh
Racism generally comes from upbring and living environment and transends education and wealth
I wouldn't necessarily jump to that conclusion. These days, many people are allies to marginalised groups and speak out against racism, discrimination etc. It has to be a good thing.Get with the times Phil, you also have to be offended on behalf of other people these days too
Careful Vee. As an older person living in Scotland I may need to report this….. may I suggest age is not relevant.I found @jackpot’s comment incredibly powerful, and had been waiting to post my own thoughts until I’d seen what he (or someone else directly affected) might post. Huge apologies that it created an (accidental) bombshell
My lived experience is that older people, and people who haven’t encountered the progressive UK university memeplex, tend to use more outdated racist language. When called out, they often become fearful, anxious and defensive - and their minds are closed, at that point.
Thus, I’ve found it better to assume someone using racist language didn’t get the memo than it is to assume they took a break from their vintage collection of Die Sturmer to purposefully engage in some vile racist abuse. Otherwise, online communities devolve into manic ban hammering of people who just needed a gentle explanation of why they were being hurtful - as @Jackpot has been generous enough to do.
My eyes have been well and truly opened these last few days. I don’t mix in the kind of circles that think causal racism is funny or bantz, so it’s been pretty depressing to see the professional provocateurs pile on and victim blame.
I don’t have a pin at the minute but come in here daily for the company and the interesting mix of views. Anxiety is a constant struggle for me but I’ve been psyching myself to attend more events this year. Frankly I’m more inclined to delete my account after what I’ve been reading here.
If you're going to quote a theory form someone, surely it takes 2 minutes to actually fact check and Google him.That's not what I meant. There's a theory by a guy called Rob Henderson (I think) that universities are a way of educating people in ways of thinking possessed by cultural elites - allowing those elites to gatekeep, via language, who is a part without the 'vulgarity' of displays of wealth/brand labels, etc.
Yes indeed, I met my first drug dealers, rapist, members of the BNP, future murderer, students from all over Europe who enjoyed watching Eurovision, and encountered my first ever pinball machine when I went to Uni.Either way, in the UK, going to university usually means you leave home, which usually shakes up your social circle, meaning you're more likely to encounter a wider range of people -
WTAF?It's better I believe that, surely, than I assume Col knew that the language was hurtful, has been told a bunch of times, but decided to press on anyway because he's a total ass.
I just give a firm but polite "Thank you, I'm not interested" and shut the door.@new forest pinball I don't think @stevebm1 would of meant that in a nasty way I myself have JWs in the family my uncle (dad's brother) and my cousin her husband and kids on my mums side. Nothing against the religion atall but you do get really pushy ones (not all) who knock at the door in groups and no matter what you say won't accept you want to be left alone. This is the same with sales though we had a guy recently who knocked about talk talk internet I told him I already had Internet and was happy .. he asked who else lived with me I replied my gf he said could you get her for me I said no she's in bed sick (she really was) he then said will you just wake her up for me.. I was like are you for real? See you later.
No disrespect atall to you in this post keef your a great guy but hope you understand what I mean.
I do also understand where you are coming from and Steve didn't have to say it as if its only jws that keep you gabbing at the door.
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I just give a firm "Thank you, I'm not interested" and shut the door.
No more Collywobs plastics for you thenIf racism and using racist terms is unacceptable and the majority agree it should have a "zero tolerance" policy, you can't then not ban someone who uses racist terms or give them a shorter ban because they are well liked. You either have a no tolerance policy, or you don't. Reducing the ban makes it sets the precedent that any language is tolerated as long as you apologise after, or it's only a month ban so it doesn't matter.
I think by arguing for a shorter ban, people are dismissing the impact of racist language. Not intentionally, but that's the message it gives.
Maybe re-read what @Jackpot said - jokes that use racist stereotypes and use racist language are hurtful and do cause damage. Even if the person making them didn't intend it. I don't think people are getting it...
I think this article is really well written about the significance of casual and everyday racism. While it doesn't specifically mention jokes (just addresses questions people ask) I think the points it makes are relevant - https://ideas.ted.com/everyday-comments-and-questions-that-are-actually-racist/
I'm sorry you feel unwelcome because of what's happened, @Pooman2084. I hope you will stick around and come to some meets. The UK pinball league is a great place to start if you are looking for something a bit more laid back to start with. I don't know where you're based but I run lots of events in East Anglia that are inclusive and welcoming to everyone. Feel free to message me for a chat.![]()
That’s what my Mrs tells me to do….but I just can’t. I love having a chat and debunking everything they throw at me. When they’ve had enough, I get a nice leaflet from their satchel.I just give a firm but polite "Thank you, I'm not interested" and shut the door.
Maybe an ideal opportunity for me to say:Been pointed out this might be taken the wrong way. Just a joke to be clear! It just came to mind, classic.
I think this point of view is absolutely valid, if there had been a policy in place for this infringement when Col posted. But there wasn't, the 6 month duration was just made up after the event.Reducing the ban makes it sets the precedent that any language is tolerated as long as you apologise after, or it's only a month ban so it doesn't matter.
I feel unwelcome in this community, I float around the edge and when I do comment it's when something hits deep.
Judgemental toxic individuals who witch hunt by attacking the most base traits like education and age to get their point across...
Tbh I am half tempted to convince husband not to go to pinfest and I'll go to Arctangent instead who's company of metal heads I greatly prefer to this.