Language on the boards.

[Shy]

I'm trying to figure out what kind of language is acceptable on these boards.

As I understand it, many "cuss" words are filtered out, although occasionally side-stepping these filters by self-censoring is acceptable, so long as it is done within reason. "F***", "S---" and variations are seen throughout posts on all boards.

Derogatory remarks, however, while not filtered, seems to be an issue left to be edited, locked, deleted, etc. by a moderator.

Now, as I understand it, posts that are blatantly offensive based on race, religious belief, gender, or sexual orientation are not allowed on this board, and are always locked and/or deleted by the mods (See: "100 ways to tell you're asian" type posts).

Now, I see a conflict of interests between these two.

Although I don't have the time to test it, I imgaine the "n" word used in the days of slavery in this country to refer to African Americans is a filtered word on these boards. This word is seen as racist, fitting into one of the categories above, explaining why I imagine it would be banned.

What I would like to know is why the word "lovely human" is not filtered. This word is derogatory to men who's sexual orientation is either "bisexual" or "homosexual".

In a recent thread here, Red Dawn, an elite member on these boards, said:



<< Who's the , the Cowboys? Wait they didn't go 8 and 8 last season did they and the Niners kicked the living hell out of those faggots last year >>



I cannot understand why such speech is permitted on these boards. If these boards are truly child-friendly, why is this word allowed? It makes absolutely no sense why this is not a filtered word.

-Shy

 

[Balt]

I think some of those derogatory remarks can be used in a historical context without being offensive. I am by no means advocating the use of such words, but the fact is you can find them in quite a lot of literature. In this case, I believe most of the times you will see such derogatory remarks on this board, it is in that context.

However, with words such as &quot;fsck&quot; and such, those words are used much more frequently in common speech today. They are much more likely to be used in conversation rather than quotations or something of that sort.

Need evidence? Just look at all the posts using variants such as &quot;fvck&quot; &quot;$hit&quot; etc. Then see how many posts you find where people are using the racist (or other) words you mention.

That's why it is left to the mod's discretion, IMO. I could be wrong, however.

Edit: Actually the more I think about it, the more my post sounds like a steaming load of poo. They probably haven't bothered to ban those words because they just aren't that much of a problem at the moment. Or maybe they want to allow the use of such words so they can ban those who use them.

 

[Shy]

Balt, I think to some degree, what you have said makes sense.

However, and I mean this in no way to insult the posters of the board, (but do a search for the word &quot;lovely human&quot; in off-topic and you'll see I'm right) it would seem that not a single person has the literary skill to use words of this nature in some sort of enlightened, proper usage. Nobody is using this word in any historical context, or even any other way which could be seen as non-derogatory. It has simply become an all too common insult.

When I've used it in these two posts, it has been with utmost caution. I would hate to offend someone with it's use, just as I would hate to offend someone by saying, &quot;great person&quot; or &quot;beloved patriot&quot;. These words typically trigger a lot of negative emotional imagery, unlike &quot;f---&quot; or &quot;s---&quot; as we have mentioned.

In conclusion, I don't think either of us knows why the word is allowed, but I'm assuming there is a reason (logic dictates that, at least in our fragile internet, there is a reason for everything) why it is not a filtered word.

-Shy is as confused as ever

Edit: interestingly, the &quot;n&quot; word is allowed on these boards. I will leave it in my post and apologize ahead of time to any minorites who find, or the other racial slur I have included in this post to be offensive. I find it interesting that such words, which carry far more emotional baggage than a cuss word, are not filtered.

 

[Yo Ma Ma]

My guess would be the word is allowed because it is not a profanity. Your S- and F- and C- and so on words are profanities, cannot be said on TV, etc. Offensive (to some anyway) is not the same as profane, I think it's as simple as that as to why they are not banned.

It seems I pretty much naturally stay within the filtered word guidelines, I do not have to feign a bad word or bypass the filter much if at all, especially since ebay was allowed. It is easier to monitor/moderate your own use of the language here, let everyone else do the same for themselves. If anyone or anything is really out of line I have full confidence the mods will intervene.

 

[Shy]

Yo_Ma-Ma:

I think that could very well be it. It seems a little strange (I mean, you can get fired in most countries for calling your co-worked the previously mentioned slurs but saying &quot;f--- you&quot; is acceptable) but that seems like a reasonable way to explain it.

And yeah, without a doubt, the mods always are there to intervene when necessary.

-Shy

 

[Red Dawn]

<< If these boards are truly child-friendly >>

If this board was child friendly we'd all have to be armed.

 

[Shy]

<< If this board was child friendly we'd all have to be armed. >>



I've been armed all along. I got my AT hidden weapons permit the day I signed up on this board.

-Shy