A conversation about conversations about bigotry

[Ecks]

I actually had to read the whole thread, think ten minutes, and hesitated for a few more before deciding to post in this thread.

I don't have the greatest track record in this arena (i.e. Draw Muhammed Day). I would like to at least admit to having some prejudices and behavior learned from my upbringing. I'd also like to admit to having my world view changed, and that I'm actively attempting to better myself.

Oppression in the form of bigotry exists. No point in trying to pretend it doesn't, or that it doesn't affect you (whether or not you come from a "priveleged" society). Making an offensive comment doesn't make you a bad person, regardless of your intent behind it. Knowing what makes the comment offensive, knowing it's wrong, and refusing to admit your wrong doing? Thats what makes you a douchebag.

While I'm at it, I'd like to posit something. If theres an issue with it later, I'll apologize and admit I was wrong, because I actually do give a shit about all of you people (yes, even you Smarty and Rob).

Liz is an asshole. Now let me tell you why this is not such a bad thing.

Liz is passionate about these controversial topics. She is full of piss and vinegar, and is not afraid to call out a douche for saying something thats not kosher. She is aggressive, and in spite of all of that, is a generally likable person, when not agitated. Most of these things are positive attributes (or I at least find them positive). I am a person who uses the term asshole endearingly. My brother, for example, is an asshole. And I love him for it. A lot of friends and coworkers of mine are assholes, and I get along with them swimmingly.

Assholes for the most part are striving toward a positive result. If Liz trying to strive for a more responsible, aware, and generally less biggoted forum makes her an asshole, then we ought to follow her example.

I would like to point out that I don't agree with her on many points, namely her flippan attitude toward the mod staff, and that she cannot back down from an argument (whether or not she's wrong - sometimes you can't win, so you bow out gracefully) for civility's sake. But I admire her moxie.

I'd also like to encourage people to nose around the sensitive topics where they wouldn't before. Not necessarily to chime in on just any old thing, but because I find you learn a lot about yourself when you venture into shitstorms, and you might just surprise yourself! In reading the first half of this thread, I got angrier and angrier at every post liz made. Aside from her usual vitriol, and her attitude toward the mods, she was in the right.

I realized I was angry because I didnt agree with her points. I was perfectly fine with an off color joke from time to time, and with pretending issues related to bigotry didnt exist because they didnt affect me in a noticable way. Who was this jerkburger making waves and telling people off for making "not serious" stereotype jokes?

Kind of sobering, realizing you aren't exactly the paragon of equality and sensitivity.

I'll cut this off here, I'm not so good at the wall o text thing, with my sincere promise to watch my tongue and my keypad, and continue to admit that I'm wrong when I get called out on it.

now can we please get back to our regularly scheduled programming all this srsbzns is harshing my chill afternoon