# Misogyny on board **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [April 13, 2013, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617 "2013-04-13T17:03:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 14
**Author:** ![hansel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@hansel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hansel)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/261 "2013-04-15T20:45:08Z")
> [@Nzinga\_Seated](#): > > But let me ask you. If the powers that be are willing to fix the sexist issues here, are you willing to continue posting with the racist issues remaining? Issues of racism should similarly fall under “don’t be a jerk”, and the grey zone should similarly fall on the heads of posters like Chen019 to justify their continued posting privileges, rather than the posters who are bothered by their “scientific” racism. Really, it should come down to this: Quit being scared of someone who’s pissing everyone off screaming “Political Correctness! Political Correctness!” Bring the hammer down on people who are driving others away. It doesn’t have to be more complicated or high minded than that. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/262 "2013-04-15T21:07:12Z")
> [@hansel](#): > > Really, it should come down to this: Quit being scared of someone who’s pissing everyone off screaming “Political Correctness! Political Correctness!” Bring the hammer down on people who are driving others away. And turn it into an echo chamber, where the sacred cows are safe. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![akennett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee59a6/32.png) [@akennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akennett)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/263 "2013-04-15T21:08:03Z")
> [@hansel](#): > > Issues of racism should similarly fall under “don’t be a jerk”, and the grey zone should similarly fall on the heads of posters like Chen019 to justify their continued posting privileges, rather than the posters who are bothered by their “scientific” racism. > > Really, it should come down to this: Quit being scared of someone who’s pissing everyone off screaming “Political Correctness! Political Correctness!” Bring the hammer down on people who are driving others away. It doesn’t have to be more complicated or high minded than that. Great. So you agree that Diosa should be modded for her use of “uppity” in post 251? After all, that word carries a lot of racist baggage with it – in a way that is no different from those words and phrases you have indicated should be modded in a sexism context. ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/264 "2013-04-15T21:14:43Z")
Are you dense? Nobody is asking that certain words be off limits. Please pay attention, nobody’s forcing you to be a part of this discussion which you’re clearly having difficulty following. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/265 "2013-04-15T21:21:24Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > First, I appreciate your responding to akennett’s behavior. It was a pleasant surprise. > > Second, I’m not sure I agree that the lack of a clear line is a problem. I don’t expect there to be a clear line; I know there’s a gray area. The beauty of the “don’t be a jerk” rule is that it allows for gray areas, and people that step into them should have no expectation of remaining on the board. As **hansel** beautifully puts it, right now the gray area is too often resolved in favor of misogynists and racists. I’d really like for that to change; that’s what I’m asking for. The issue there is allowing for debate, including debate of controversial ideas. That applies more to the race discussion than to sexist comments, but it’s something that does need to be kept in mind. > [@akennett](#): > > Great. So you agree that Diosa should be modded for her use of “uppity” in post 251? After all, that word carries a lot of racist baggage with it – in a way that is no different from those words and phrases you have indicated should be modded in a sexism context. I repeat again that this is really not about particular words. And unlike you, she was being ironic. ---
**Author:** ![hansel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@hansel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hansel)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/266 "2013-04-15T21:21:54Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > And turn it into an echo chamber, where the sacred cows are safe As you have been tirelessly at pains to point out for many years, it’s already an echo chamber here. More obviously, I can point to other boards like Metafilter where a stricter mod policy on bigoted speech has created a better environment, and yet they still have contentious debates and challenged orthodoxy and vibrant discussion. The idea that stomping on shitty, bigoted comments leads to an echo chamber is demonstrably false. More particularly, the idea that in order to have a diversity of opinion in your community, you need to allow for a certain amount of abrasive bigotry, is false. About the only thing I can see being removed as a topic of debate is those idiotic IQ/test scores threads where several posters try their damnedest to put a palatable veneer of numbers on their white supremacy. Good fucking riddance. > [@akennett](#): > > Great. So you agree that Diosa should be modded for her use of “uppity” in post 251? After all, that word carries a lot of racist baggage with it – in a way that is no different from those words and phrases you have indicated should be modded in a sexism context. I bet Diosa would happily take a warning on the use of the word “uppity” if it were part and parcel of a consistently enforced mod policy on quelling bigoted speech. ---
**Author:** ![hansel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6bbea6/32.png) [@hansel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hansel)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/267 "2013-04-15T21:26:25Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > The issue there is allowing for debate, including debate of controversial ideas. That applies more to the race discussion than to sexist comments, but it’s something that does need to be kept in mind. This is a laudable goal and definitely something to watch carefully, to make sure it doesn’t get lost. It’s an important part of the balance you strike. My position is that the balance should be shifted a bit to be more welcoming to the posters who aren’t bigots, subtle or otherwise. Protecting the discussion of difficult topics doesn’t require allowing all ways of discussing them. ---
**Author:** ![PlainJain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/5daacb/32.png) [@PlainJain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlainJain)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/268 "2013-04-15T21:32:28Z")
> [@MeanOldLady](#): > > Stop posting ridiculous hyperbole like this, then please revisit this discussion. Thanks. Only you get to do that, right? First, your OP that started all this contained plenty of “ridiculous hyperbole”. Second, hyperbole in and of itself is not ridiculous. This board has a long rich history of using it to make points in an amusing, entertaining way. Thirdly, what I posted was far from ridiculous. The reaction to people you disagree with could easily be seen as overwrought. You and those posting from your point of view are not impartial arbiters of how the board as a whole sees this issue nor are you immune from the very thing you rail against. I thought it particularly telling that when Sleeps With Butterflies got frustrated with my posts she went straight to the hurtful insults, the same type of posting she claims she’s fighting against. Finally, I wasn’t aware you had the power to demand I stop posting in this thread. Did they make you a mod? Or when you insinuated you had that power were you just being hyperbolic? ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/269 "2013-04-15T21:35:04Z")
> [@PlainJain](#): > > Second, hyperbole in and of itself is not ridiculous. This board has a long rich history of using it to make points in an amusing, entertaining way. Next time make it amusing or entertaining, then. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/270 "2013-04-15T21:48:20Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > We’ll moderate on a one-by-one basis. You report something, we’ll consider it. Or you could just hang one of [these](http://i.imgur.com/UlCoXOF.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![akennett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee59a6/32.png) [@akennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akennett)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/271 "2013-04-15T21:53:20Z")
> [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > Are you dense? No, are you? This is a message board. Our only interactions on this board are through words\*, so the entire discussion about behaviors (and their acceptability) are about words and the use of words. It’s not like big bad SDMB Misogynist can actually reach through the board and smack generic SDMB woman in the mouth for daring to express an opinion on a man’s issue or some such – it’s all about words. We have one poster in the last couple of pages who makes big long points about the banning of one certain word (and even that is in error, we can’t call each other cunts, but we can still use the word) and pointing out how that is a step in the right direction in ending the horrors of misogyny on this board. The second time Marley modded me was specifically for the use of one word, and I dare say that the use of a specific word was the real reason behind the actual warning, too. So you should probably take your own advice and pay attention. It helps if you learn to read for comprehension first, though. - Yes, yes…we do have a handful of stupid smilies and you can put a link in your message… ---
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/272 "2013-04-15T21:56:46Z")
Well I’m sorry if you don’t have the mental acuity to determine context, tone, or themes when people post so you can determine when people are “acting like jerks” vs “saying a word we don’t want”, hopefully the moderators are better suited for the job. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/273 "2013-04-15T21:58:06Z")
> [@akennett](#): > > The second time Marley modded me was specifically for the use of one word, and I dare say that the use of a specific word was the real reason behind the actual warning, too. If you honestly think you got shut down because of the word itself and not the connotation given the discussion being had, you’re a lost cause. ---
**Author:** ![Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleeps_With_Butterflies)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/274 "2013-04-15T21:58:43Z")
> [@PlainJain](#): > > I thought it particularly telling that when Sleeps With Butterflies got frustrated with my posts she went straight to the hurtful insults, the same type of posting she claims she’s fighting against. I claimed to be fighting against something? You lobbed an insult toward me that you felt was fitting (I broke your irony meter) and I lobbed an answer back at you that I felt was equally fitting in regards to your selective memory/rewriting history about you. This ain’t turn-the-other-cheek day. Don’t want snark? Then don’t be snarky. Easy peasy, lemon squeazy. Either way, don’t pretend I snapped at you for no reason and please, please do not make up a story in your head about what my intentions are here and post them as if they are fact. Just because I am addressing certain posts in this thread doesn’t mean that I believe every word written here and am taking up arms to fight against whatever your vivid imagination decides upon. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/275 "2013-04-15T22:03:42Z")
> [@akennett](#): > > The second time Marley modded me was specifically for the use of one word, and I dare say that the use of a specific word was the real reason behind the actual warning, too. The warning was for insults. If you’d insulted people with different wording, you still would have been warned. The mod note about “hysterical” was intended to call your attention to something that I thought you should know about - not because the word is verboten. As it turned out that wasn’t necessary because you used the word on purpose to make whatever brilliant point you believed you were making. So much for that. > [@ladyfoxfyre](#): > > Well I’m sorry if you don’t have the mental acuity to determine context, tone, or themes when people post so you can determine when people are “acting like jerks” vs “saying a word we don’t want”, hopefully the moderators are better suited for the job. > [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > If you honestly think you got shut down because of the word itself and not the connotation given the discussion being had, you’re a lost cause. No more personal remarks, thank you. I realize people are passionate about this on both sides, but we need to discuss this without any further insults. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/276 "2013-04-15T22:11:54Z")
> [@PlainJain](#): > > Only you get to do that, right? > > First, your OP that started all this contained plenty of “ridiculous hyperbole”. > > Second, hyperbole in and of itself is not ridiculous. This board has a long rich history of using it to make points in an amusing, entertaining way. > > Thirdly, what I posted was far from ridiculous. The reaction to people you disagree with could easily be seen as overwrought. You and those posting from your point of view are not impartial arbiters of how the board as a whole sees this issue nor are you immune from the very thing you rail against. I thought it particularly telling that when Sleeps With Butterflies got frustrated with my posts she went straight to the hurtful insults, the same type of posting she claims she’s fighting against. > > Finally, I wasn’t aware you had the power to demand I stop posting in this thread. Did they make you a mod? Or when you insinuated you had that power were you just being hyperbolic? :rolleyes: x infinity. Okay, first of all, I don’t know what Sleeps with Butterflies has to do with me. You know I’m not her, right? I’ve posted my opinion on the matter once to this thread, and that post was only a few sentences long at that. If you want to point out what part of what I said was “overwrought,” that’d be great. I know everyone who doesn’t agree with you is the same person in your mind, but to make things easier for you, posts written by me begin with “MeanOldLady.” Also, it looks like somebody here (you) doesn’t get the difference between relaying a personal anecdote with some hyperbole thrown in for fun and deliberately mischaracterizing someone’s argument. You see, saying my new purse cost a million dollars, or that I hate everyone because my kindness was abused last week, or that it took me forever to get downtown today is a different can of tomatoes than trying to paint someone’s position as something it is not because you don’t like it. But aside from focusing that bit of unimportant silliness, and back to the main point, it seems like most of the responses here, including the one in which I expressed my opinion, don’t seem to be saying that this board is overrun with men shrieking sexism at us nonstop, or the Stormfront board for women, as you describe it. Most posters seem to be annoyed that misogynistic posts are tolerated, find that it lessens their posting experience here, and find it beyond tiresome that nary a vague reference to someone being female can occur, lest calls for “BOOOBIES!!!” will immediately ensue. I’m guessing it’s thread like these that you claimed to have deliberately avoided earlier. ---
**Author:** ![akennett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee59a6/32.png) [@akennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akennett)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/277 "2013-04-15T22:15:53Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > The warning was for insults. If you’d insulted people with different wording, you still would have been warned. That’s funny considering the rest of your post. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/278 "2013-04-15T22:22:54Z")
> [@akennett](#): > > That’s funny considering the rest of your post. I think I’ve heard all I need to hear about what you consider funny. Don’t insult anybody else, and don’t attempt any clever demonstrations of the failings of your opponents’ arguments. If you believe someone is wrong, say so politely and plainly instead of trying to annoy them or get them to respond in anger. I hope that’s clear enough because I’m not going to explain it to you again. ---
**Author:** ![RedFury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/ec9cab/32.png) [@RedFury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedFury)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/279 "2013-04-15T22:59:52Z")
Bizarre thread. I find myself fully agreeing with **C.K. Dexter**. One man’s medicine is another one’s poison. Works for both sexes. Fuck any more restrictions/rules. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [April 15, 2013, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617/280 "2013-04-15T23:14:02Z")
> [@RedFury](#): > > Fuck any more restrictions/rules. We’re arguing for judicious application of existing rules-- namely the “don’t be a jerk” rule, not new ones. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617.md?page=13) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/misogyny-on-board/655617.md?page=15)