# question about hate speech **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [June 12, 2018, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989 "2018-06-12T19:46:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![expectopatronum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/expectopatronum/32/173_2.png) [@expectopatronum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/expectopatronum)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/1 "2018-06-12T19:46:01Z")
This occurred to me last night when a thread was brought to my attention while I was participating in the now closed Chimera thread. One was this thread: [here](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=570609&page=9) I linked to page 9 because near as I can tell that’s where the insults started flying. I haven’t read the entire 14 page thread, but from what I saw, a thread about Mel Gibson being a nutjob started an argument about child support and led to poster **Scumpup** insulting female posters, calling them “bitches”, “hos”, and “menstrual clots”. He also told at least one female poster she was ugly. \*\*Let me stop here to say hi, mods. I know I’m in ATMB, not the Pit. I have a point. Please read on. \*\* This thread reminded me of another I followed when it was happening: [here](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=684733) In which poster **Ostrya** , then posting as **the lone cashew** , lost his shit at a sock accusation starting at post #40 and started calling female posters sluts, bitches, ugly, and implied to one female poster that he was going to masturbate to a partially nude photo of hers that had been posted on the internet without her consent. Now I’m not asking for action taken in these threads, obviously - they’re from years ago, and nothing that was said was specifically against any rules at the time. But maybe, going forward, stuff like that should be? Here’s how hate speech is addressed in the SDMB rules: > [@](#): > > If you say hateful and/or racist things, you may get warned or banned. Some slurs are likely to be viewed as hate speech when used as insults, some aren’t. No, we aren’t going to give you a list. Our goal is not to restrict any and all speech which could be viewed by someone as offensive, but simply keep a modicum of decency, even here. It’s pretty open to interpretation, and I’m not suggesting we ban all insults that could possibly be taken as offensive. Dealing with it on a case by case scenario is probably the way to go. Hate speech is generally defined as insults meant to attack someone’s race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability etc - basically, a trait someone has that they have no control over. So wouldn’t an insult specifically designed to insult and degrade a female poster, such as hos, sluts, menstrual clots, etc, fall under this definition? Also, the instance I went over upthread of a male telling a female he was going to masturbate to a photo that he knew was online without her consent is especially disgusting. I think, going forward, that sort of thing should be an instant mod warning. There is zero excuse for that shit. So, the TLDR is: I’d like to discuss whether feminine based insults that are designed to be degrading should be sanctioned on the grounds that they’re sexist and fall under the rule banning hate speech. Thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/2 "2018-06-12T19:49:51Z")
In all these cases, I’m totally down with mod warnings or harsher punishments. I mean, that sort of shit we don’t need. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/3 "2018-06-12T20:40:41Z")
I’d say no. Don’t like being insulted in the Pit. Don’t post in it. Are all insults based on any physical/mental characteristic going to be labeled hate speech now? ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/4 "2018-06-12T20:56:36Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > I’d say no. Don’t like being insulted in the Pit. Don’t post in it. Are all insults based on any physical/mental characteristic going to be labeled hate speech now? Hopefully **all dehumanizing insults** in the Pit would be forbidden. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/5 "2018-06-12T20:59:59Z")
> [@CCitizen](#): > > Hopefully **all dehumanizing insults** in the Pit would be forbidden. So no more insults based on mental state or ability which are very dehumanizing? No more male based insults? No more sexual preference based insults? That’s not much of a Pit. They’d have to rename the BBQ Pit to the Tepid Hole. ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/6 "2018-06-12T21:00:29Z")
> [@expectopatronum](#): > > Hate speech is generally defined as insults meant to attack someone’s race, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability etc - basically, a trait someone has that they have no control over. So wouldn’t an insult specifically designed to insult and degrade a female poster, such as hos, sluts, menstrual clots, etc, fall under this definition? Of course these insults should be forbidden. But it would be fair if male-specific insults are forbidden as well. They are used at least 10 times more frequently. Abuse which is not acceptable in most offline groups should not be acceptable online. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/7 "2018-06-12T21:01:05Z")
The bad thing is that **Sleeps** and **Diosa** left the dope. I wonder if **Scumpup’s** patent misogyny in that thread was part of that? ---
**Author:** ![CCitizen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/8 "2018-06-12T21:02:11Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > So no more insults based on mental state or ability which are very dehumanizing? I have Autism and Depression. Due to my condition I can not work. I was never abused but I suffer enormously from Depression – due to chemical and genetic factors. Many of Homo Interneticus people find their second home on Social Media. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/9 "2018-06-12T21:16:16Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > The bad thing is that **Sleeps** and **Diosa** left the dope. I wonder if **Scumpup’s** patent misogyny in that thread was part of that? Isn’t it one of your goals to drive people from the board with what you post in the Pit? Either via a voluntary “flounce” or via “baiting’ them into posting a subjectively bannable post? In the context of the Pit, Scumpup is just behaving normally. Who cares who leaves because of normal Pit behavior. If expectopatronum doesn’t like being insulted or reading insults she/he can stay out of the Pit. ---
**Author:** ![expectopatronum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/expectopatronum/32/173_2.png) [@expectopatronum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/expectopatronum)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/10 "2018-06-12T21:22:40Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > Isn’t it one of your goals to drive people from the board with what you post in the Pit? Either via a voluntary “flounce” or via “baiting’ them into posting a subjectively bannable post? In the context of the Pit, Scumpup is just behaving normally. Who cares who leaves because of normal Pit behavior. If expectopatronum doesn’t like being insulted or reading insults she/he can stay out of the Pit. Bro, get the hell out of my thread and quit shitting it up with your trolling. I’m trying to have a discussion here. It’s also highly, highly amusing that you counsel people to stay out of the pit when you were the one crying about all the naughty words in the Skald pit thread because your kids might see them. ---
**Author:** ![octopus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/octopus/32/3716_2.png) [@octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/octopus)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/11 "2018-06-12T21:29:20Z")
This is ATMB and I am allowed to post my thoughts concerning the rules and structure of this message board. I disagree with your premise that women need yet another special rule protecting them in the pit and I’m expressing my point of view civilly. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/12 "2018-06-12T21:50:35Z")
> [@Morgenstern](#): > > The bad thing is that **Sleeps** and **Diosa** left the dope. I wonder if **Scumpup’s** patent misogyny in that thread was part of that? > [@octopus](#): > > Isn’t it one of your goals to drive people from the board with what you post in the Pit? Either via a voluntary “flounce” or via “baiting’ them into posting a subjectively bannable post? In the context of the Pit, Scumpup is just behaving normally. Who cares who leaves because of normal Pit behavior. If expectopatronum doesn’t like being insulted or reading insults she/he can stay out of the Pit. This is my opinion. No one else may share it. Here goes: **Would you two please get a room.** Every thread you two are in becomes about you. Please work it out, somewhere else than here by preference. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/13 "2018-06-12T21:54:12Z")
Sunny. In the corner of each post is a number. It is a consecutive number, starting with 1, the lowest, through whatever. Now, look at what’s posted. Now, I post this in #7. \*The bad thing is that Sleeps and Diosa left the dope. I wonder if Scumpup’s patent misogyny in that thread was part of that? \* My only post in this thread, And you somehow think it was to Octopus? Your comment was out of line and homophobic. ---
**Author:** ![Sunny\_Daze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunny_daze/32/438_2.png) [@Sunny\_Daze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunny_Daze)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/14 "2018-06-12T22:26:41Z")
My comment reflects a pattern, and not just this thread, and I don’t see where homophobia enters into this at all. I’m done discussing this here at all. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/15 "2018-06-12T22:32:11Z")
dismissed. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/16 "2018-06-12T23:25:24Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@octopus](#): > > This is ATMB and I am allowed to post my thoughts concerning the rules and structure of this message board. I disagree with your premise that women need yet another special rule protecting them in the pit and I’m expressing my point of view civilly. You are free to post your thoughts, and you have done so, over and over and over again. It’s getting to the point where it is derailing every single thread related to this topic. We are all more than aware of your opinions on this topic. That’s enough. Do not post this again in ATMB. ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/17 "2018-06-12T23:28:50Z")
> [@octopus](#): > > So no more insults based on mental state or ability which are very dehumanizing? No more male based insults? No more sexual preference based insults? That’s not much of a Pit. They’d have to rename the BBQ Pit to the Tepid Hole. Congratulations **Octo** you made me LOL. That said, I’m fine with going after words and phrases on a case by case basis. Sexually degrading posts need to stop. Just flat out calling someone a bitch is okay. But there’s no need to escalate the rhetoric to the level **Expecto** points out. ---
**Author:** ![engineer\_comp\_geek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/engineer_comp_geek/32/504_2.png) [@engineer\_comp\_geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/engineer_comp_geek)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/18 "2018-06-12T23:33:56Z")
**Moderator Note** > [@expectopatronum](#): > > Bro, get the hell out of my thread and quit shitting it up with your trolling. Accusations of trolling are not permitted outside the Pit. Do not do this again in ATMB. ---
**Author:** ![expectopatronum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/expectopatronum/32/173_2.png) [@expectopatronum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/expectopatronum)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2018, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/19 "2018-06-12T23:57:46Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Note** > > Accusations of trolling are not permitted outside the Pit. Do not do this again in ATMB. Thanks, I won’t. That said, thanks for mod-noting the culprit. ---
**Author:** ![Fotheringay-Phipps](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/d9b06d/32.png) [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2018, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989/20 "2018-06-13T01:28:14Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > **Moderator Note** > > You are free to post your thoughts, and you have done so, over and over and over again. It’s getting to the point where it is derailing every single thread related to this topic. We are all more than aware of your opinions on this topic. > > That’s enough. Do not post this again in ATMB. I don’t get this at all. There have been many threads on this subject and many of the same people have posted essentially the same sentiments “over and over and over again”, including the OP of this thread. Why are you singling out octopus here? And why is his repeating a contrary opinion “derailing” the threads in which they’re posted? ISTM that you’re according special status to the majority opinion on this issue, and allowing it, via moderator authority, a safe space where its adherents can discuss the finer points among themselves without pesky dissenters interrupting. I don’t recall seeing this before on this MB. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-hate-speech/815989.md?page=2)