I’ve seen the following in this thread:
• Lengthy hijack discussion of Giraffe’s testicles.
• Much eye-rolling
• Experienced Dopers ridiculing a relative newbie for an unorthodox posting style, and
• About 1 post out of 5 actually addressed the OP instead of invalidating what I thought was a very valid rant about rudeness.
I think some of you should be ashamed of yourselves. This board is about fighting ignorance. For people to think it’s acceptable to make rude comments about one’s physical appearance or posting style (i.e. completely superficial crap) is simply ignorant. To ridicule someone, ignore their rant, take the thread off in another direction, then focus on the posting style is simply unacceptable. If that’s the best we Dopers can do to respond to the OP, then I will extend my apologies to the OP on behalf of everyone who has posted in this thread thus far.
Since this is the pit, I must add: Some of you are just a bunch of assholes, regardless of how much ignorance you fight.
That said, and to address the OP:
There is nothing wrong with testing out a creative and innovative posting style. Some people just can’t adapt to change. Some of us, evidently, fear change and if we see something different… we automatically assume it must be wrong. I’m sorry for these morons who can’t handle a little individuality. I think you should continue to use that posting style, so that we will all be able to immediately identify your posts without having to glance over to the left. (That was typed without the slightest intention of sarcasm. I mean it – you guys are in a rut about how posts should look. Think different, you might just learn something. And cut the newbies a break, willya? You were one once.)
Regarding these comments people make: you’re right. It’s rude and it sucks. I just can’t understand why it’s not okay to rip on one group of people, but even some of our own ignorance-fighting Dopers seem to think it’s okay to rip on other groups of people.
The rude comments shared above, IMHO, are akin to:
“Gee, you’d be so pretty if you’d just lose some weight…”
“You’re over 30 and not married yet? What’s wrong with you?”
“You’ve been married for 15 years and no kids? What’s wrong with you?”
“You’re so skinny, you make me sick. It’s disgusting.” (My personal favorite because it opens the door to some really ugly, sarcastic comebacks.)
“Are you going to be an old maid? I hate to see you still be single… it’s such a waste.”
“Do you even date anymore”
“I can’t stand to see a woman smoke.”
“Why don’t you find a nice (SO of the opposite sex), settle down and have some kids?” (Said to GLBTs.)
Rudeness is rudeness. I suggest sitting down to brainstorm a list of snarky responses and being prepared to whip one out with no notice. There is no excuse for making inappropriate comments on people’s appearance or personal choices. Just remember that most people who make this type of comment are simply jealous and/or completely unaware of how hurtful their comments can be. Personally, I highly recommend politely pointing out exactly how hurtful and damaging these comments are. Or just ignoring them and going about your business. YMMV.
