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Stereotypes and Prejudice at Propeller. Com »
Posted by: Spadecaller 1 year, 10 months agoPersonal 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?
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Spadecaller
Welcome to my profile. About me: I'm an artist of several kinds; from bull to painting. I don't spare too many words. Most ...
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Comments: 580
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Spadecaller
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:09 a.m.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?
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Neophile
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:25 a.m.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.
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postaphis
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:27 a.m.Thanks SC. Today's terms, "Liberal" and to some extent, "Neocon", when used to disparage, has become the new "N" word. For some reason, the term "Conservative" seems more neutral, at least to me.
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Will1313
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:51 a.m.I think Neo is right also.. however I just can't resist when attacked personally...
"this big dog will bite if you rattle his cage..." Toby Keith stole that from me...
I also never neg comments..... seems like somehow it gives them some kind of creditability they didn't deserve.. some wear them as a badge of honor...
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Bkumm
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:54 a.m.I see it somewhat differently than Spadecaller and Neophile, both of whom I am proud to call friend.
As many of you know, I tend to confront this kind of behavior when I see it and when I think it will do some good. I'm not the "hall monitor" or "post police" as I am sometimes accused of being, but as a member of Propeller I feel it is my charge to try and keep it as polite as possible. Does that mean that I'm a saint? Certainly not and I'm sure that there have been times that I have been rude or crude or offensive, but I try very hard not to make this a habit.
I report spam, racism and suggested violence and not much else. I would rather confront someone and show them that those of us trying (although sometimes failing) to do the right thing will not turn away.
We all have to try and deal with this as best we can.
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walden3
Jan. 10, 2008, 11:56 a.m.The one that gets me is the outright, dripping hatred for Jews. Sure, they dress it up as attacking the "Zionists" or the "Ziocons", but at its root, it's a hatred of Jews.
How can Jews that number less than 15 million people worldwide be blamed for causing so much damage to the billions of Muslims, billions of Christians and billions of Hindus.
I think it's simple hatred. The same as it was 100 years ago, 500 years ago and 1000 years ago.
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natashas
Jan. 10, 2008, 12:19 p.m.People feel the need to argue when it comes to beliefs.
Not many people want to be challenged with any form of discussion that goes against there perception of being right. Everyone comes to a point in there life where they stop what iffing everything they see. No one has the right to offend a person for there beliefs and ideas about God or politics.
The only thing I can say is if you do feel like someone is bothering you Spadecaller, let me know. I am a feisty Italian and I will go to bat for you if you need me to. The same for anyone else.
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gamahuche
Jan. 10, 2008, 12:50 p.m.I think this is a good discussion to initiate SC and its good to hear a variety of opinions. [That's a bland start isn't it!]
I'm not so clear whether its possible to make any broad generalisations or even a "code of conduct" which will factor in all aspects of a situation and provide a key to action.
I'm more inclined to suggest a wide range of responses e.g. from zen acceptance to martial arts lightning bolts.
I'm also fond of paradoxical or absurd interventions, flying under people's radar, and a variety of other ripostes which are harder to name.
But I think we should bear in mind that while in real life we can sometimes organise our lives so that we never meet someone again that's not really possible in cyberspace. Even if someone gets banned its easy enough for them to reappear and become one's nemesis anew.
I understand why some people don't like to neg posts or sink stories but don't feel compelled to follow other people's examples.
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Bkumm
Jan. 10, 2008, 1:02 p.m.I truly do understand what Spadecaller is trying to do with this article, but isn't what he's saying a little stereotypical as well? And don't stereotypes help us in some ways? I've always said that the worst "sin" (if you believe in such a thing) is to judge other people, but don't we HAVE to?
I guess what I'm getting at is that it isn't stereotyping or prejudice that's the problem here, it's that some people are just plain, everyday, ordinary rude. And then there is the inevitable miscommunication or when someone misconstrues what someone else said as well.
I'm not saying that there aren't prejudiced people on Propeller (there very definitely are!), but in the main, I think most of it is people hiding behind the keyboard and saying things that they wouldn't say in polite company.
But, maybe I'm wrong.
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canadianrancher57
Jan. 10, 2008, 1:28 p.m.We here on this site are like members of a community and as in all communities there are people of different social graces. I'm glad that you have brought up this topic for there has been something about proppeler that bothers me, That is thew banning of members. MOst of the memers act in a acceptable way but on some topics some really loose it, My problem with the banning of a member is that none of us know who these people are and what they have seen or experianced. For some of these people this site is sort of therapy and a chance to express feelings whether good or bad. I would like to see the banned person be allowed a chance to be judged by us the members and have a chance to defend themselves or apologise, most of us feel we are open minded this might be a way of proving it. Sometimes when posting people expose a part of themselves which gives the reason for their behavior which is unacceptable. To me these people are just trying to work out issues, and need a place to vent.
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1basque1
Jan. 10, 2008, 1:35 p.m.Those who in quarrels interpose,
Must often wipe a bloody nose...
That would be the easy way to end conflict of interest, better to just turn and walk away.
I say Kill them with Kindness !
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x0000000009
Jan. 10, 2008, 1:50 p.m.Diversity is what makes us all unique. To say that everyone has to take some reason from what might be considered logical to one person, but clearly junk science in the context is when heated arguments start. The whole irony of this article is simply that the author is stereotyping such a diversity that brings everyone back to propeller. If everyone agreed on all the articles points posted here then why would anyone have any need to login and post any comments at all? I agree that comments on articles should remain to topic, but if your opinion on an article is offensive to someone then it is in their ability to go crying to the propeller admins reporting the comment, but really shouldn't take it so personally.
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Spadecaller
Jan. 10, 2008, 2:13 p.m.I expect and enjoy differences of opinion expressed without personal attacks.
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.
Some of us are willing to see and admit mistakes and apologize; but there are many who are so hateful that they just wait for the next opportunity to namecall and accuse.
I care about the level of debate and I expect people who are Jewish, people of color, and people of minority groups who have suffered greatly in the past and currently to be rightfully sensitive to incorrigible behavior.
A few characters here at Propeller enjoy hounding them.
Hypothetical question: would a member of the KKK be considered an asset to diversity here on propeller?
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1-2-Oscar
Jan. 10, 2008, 2:37 p.m.I will vote for this submission. I have long insisted there should be some standards for behavior on this site. I am unpopular here because I think that those standards should be applied to everyone. I can live with being unpopular a lot easier than I can live with being a liar, a fake, and a hypocrite.
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Spadecaller
Jan. 10, 2008, 2:47 p.m.The author of this story did not recommend banning anyone because of their affiliation to any group -- even hate groups. In fact, banning someone for violating the Terms of Use is not even discussed in the article.
I would consider the fact that those who belong to a hate group like Aryan Nation or an American Nazi group do have one thing in commmon; their association is defined by their mutual hatred of African Americans and Jews. I'm sure they may be composed of individuals, however I think it is safe to say that they all share one basic common denominator; racism and anti-Semitism.
Some may call that diversification, but I wouldn't.
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getreal1
Jan. 10, 2008, 2:48 p.m.Well, I thought I would check in with you all on this. Perfect, I can try to be. Successful at it. Not always. Spade, I get stalked from time to time too. I try to ignore them but after a while, that block button keeps me from being a monster like what may be stalking me. Porn is usually straight to the button. Life and survival are sensitive matters for every one. The Internet and it's message boards brings people together whether they like it or not. I try to keep my mind open because I know I'm not always right.
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sumptuousdigs
Jan. 10, 2008, 2:52 p.m.I'm a stereotypical white dude, and the older I get, the crankier I get. Excuse me for a minute...
Hey you littles bastages! GET OFF MY LAWN!!!
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Ratskii
Jan. 10, 2008, 3:59 p.m.Nice background music SC. I admit I use the neg button somewhat frequently, though I try to use the pos button at least twice as much. The name calling and ad-hominem attacks are such a waste of time. If you are arguing on a board like this, isn't it because you want to convince others of your views? How does calling them names help with that? I'm not perfect of course and have slung a few less than flattering epithets in my time.
Still, I find some of the more heated topics to be enlivening. I really value the people who post sources and links with their opinions.
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Spadecaller
Jan. 10, 2008, 4:07 p.m.Thanks Ratskii, the music is from a cd ... my first cousin is an accomplished flutist and that piece is from her first album.
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tryingtofindmyway
Jan. 10, 2008, 5:26 p.m.Like stereotypes, generalities are convenient and generally consistent tools for the selection and interpretation of incoming stimulus and information. They're what allow us to make a turn at a green light while assuming drivers going different directions will stop at a red light. They grant us the ability to choose between resturaunts, movie selections, investment portfolios, and even friends. Without the ability to stereotype and generalize, even the simplest of decisions would drain away significant portions of time and energy, and we would cease to lead functional, productive lives. Thus, a pure dismissal of stereotyping and generalizing indicates an inability to consider their value in terms of everyday decisions making .
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Bkumm
Jan. 10, 2008, 5:24 p.m.I hear what you're saying, but you can criticize someone without attacking them.
As a for instance. As a white man whose family has been in this country for over 300 years I can see how Native American people feel they got the shaft. You know why? Because they did. And I'll even accept the criticism from them that the policies of my ancestors furthered them getting the shaft. I'll accept the criticism that we need to be vigilant to never let that happen again. I'll accept all of that. If you say that it's my fault that that happened and I can't "get it" because I'm white, that I will not accept. That's not criticism that's an attack.
If I say that blacks tend to do poorly in schools in the inner city due to a cultural de-emphasis on education does that make me a racist? Certainly not. If I say that blacks can't do well in school because they're black. That's racist. I understand that it's difficult, but it's two different things. Don't you think?
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walden3
Jan. 10, 2008, 8:19 p.m.Jovial-
I vaguely remember the story about the Jews being beaten for wishing someone happy Hanukkah. I was probably opposed to that.
I guess what offends me is the term Zionist. It's really interchangeable with Jew. If you don't like something that the Israeli government does than criticize the Israeli government.
Listen I haven't received any secret memos in the morning. I'm not privy to any great Jewish conspiracy, but I do know that Jews make up just about the smallest religion out there and get blamed for a lot.
Criticize the Israeli government as I have for using cluster bombs, or building a wall, or overreacting in Lebanon, or stealing water or destroying houses as a form of punishment. The more specific the less I'll take umbrage and think it's a general insult against all Jews. When it becomes Zionist this and Zionist that, those are the type of stereotypes and comments that are hurtful.
You know what I mean?
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