I received the following warning in Great Debates:
My post that caused the problem is:
Is it the coward bit or bigot bit that is insulting? This is a serious question, let us assume (for it is true) that I lack certain social skills and sometimes say things which are a tad insensitive.
I think both. The rule is that you should attack the posts, not the poster – so you can say the posts in question are bigoted and/or cowardly.
I too am confused about why its considered an insult to directly call somebody a bigot and a coward?
Actually, no, I’m not really.
What is the difference? If someone is posting something bigoted then they are a bigot aren’t they?
Well thanks for this, you are a great help.
I don’t know. If I say something stupid, does that mean that I’m stupid? Perhaps I had a momentary lapse.
Depends if, when it is pointed out that what you said is stupid, you stick to your stupid views. If you do then you are indeed stupid.
The poster in question has bigoted views according to nearly everyone else in the thread. Therefore I conclude he is a bigot.
Insults are not allowed, no matter if they are truthful or not. They are not allowed. What’s so difficult to get about that? The failure of so many to understand this aspect of the rules is ridiculous and, dare I say it, stupid 
“You are a bigot” is an insult. “You are a coward” is also an insult. No other interpretation is reasonably possible.
Neither of you have told me why it is an insult only stated that it is, can you help me out here by telling me the why?
Let me add an example from my life - when I was young I refused to look at some tarantulas and my father called me a coward. I didn’t feel insulted because he was right wasn’t he, how can one be insulted by the truth? I felt just a little ashamed and now find spiders of all shapes and sizes pretty awesome after getting over my phobia.
What are you, an idiot?
(see, now isn’t that insulting?). Mods: my statement was made for effect, hopefully to help this dull lad.
Not if I am an idiot no. But I am pretty sure I am not an idiot (I can walk and chew gum and everything!) so it’s not insulting just wrong.
Perhaps this may help, if someone posts that they think that Black people are inferior can I call that person a racist or not? Using the logic here I couldn’t because racist could be considered insulting.
I can’t quite figure out your definition of an insult. You seem to think if it’s true it’s not an insult. And if it’s not true it’s not an insult:
Around here, in broad terms, insult means negative comment directed at an individual. Your comments definitely meet that definition.
Now trying to think the last time I was insulted…hmmm can’t think of an example maybe this is the problem.
So can I call someone who has posted racist things a racist? How about calling an obese person obese?
Def:
vb [ɪnˈsʌlt] (tr)
By limiting your comments to their current statement you stay on this specific action (their comment) and not extrapolate or generalize to their character/qualities. It still may be not nice to hear, but our community has decided it doesn’t reach the level of being directly insulting. Plus, context matters. Regarding your obese situation, if someone asked if a weight/height they were obese and you answered, then no insult. If you use the term to disparage their character, insult.
martu, you are failing the Turing test.
Your hu-mon tradition of uncivil communication is both fascinating and illogical!
What is your definition of “insult”?