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> What if someone disagreed with you on one of the issues you bring up? What if someone disagreed with the assertion that Jews or Black people should be societ

by gaur 10y ago

> What if someone disagreed with you on one of the issues you bring up? What if someone disagreed with the assertion that Jews or Black people should be societally accepted? Would you really just say "Kudos to you for daring to voice a dissenting opinion!" and relish the opportunity to have an "interesting discussion" about it? Some opinions are just dumb and/or hateful and do not need to be politely debated online at every opportunity. It doesn't mean they should be censored, but it doesn't mean they should be treated with respect either.

k-mcgrady 10y ago
I was in the middle of writing a similar comment to OP but I think his point was that on HN, even if someone has a reprehensible view, like those you've outlined, we will debate (or ignore), we may get angry, but we will not harass them or dox them or do anything stupid. We will not set a mob of Twitter followers on them. We will debate or ignore and move on. And I suppose it's good that someone with one of those views feels comfortable enough to voice it here as we are given the opportunity to change their mind through rational discussion. On Twitter they'll either be too scared to discuss it (no opportunity for us to change their opinion) or they'll bring it up, face the mob, and likely their belief will become hardened.
- gaur 10y ago
  Agreed—doxxing or otherwise harassing someone just for posting a certain opinion is extremely illiberal.
Mendenhall 10y ago
I think its even more important to treat them with respect. I understand how frustrating it can be and the urge to say "you idiot" but I find it counter productive. I think its best to let the light shine on that sort of ignorance, even if I am group "x". I want the contrast of cool calm and rational against the heated ignorance.
ams6110 10y ago
What if said person is a young person who had been raised to believe this? Not really his fault, right? And perhaps a civil discussion with others who disagree might lead him to a personal re-evaluation of his beliefs. A response of "you are dumb and hateful" is not likly to bring that about.

by gaur 10y ago

k-mcgrady 10y ago

I was in the middle of writing a similar comment to OP but I think his point was that on HN, even if someone has a reprehensible view, like those you've outlined, we will debate (or ignore), we may get angry, but we will not harass them or dox them or do anything stupid. We will not set a mob of Twitter followers on them. We will debate or ignore and move on. And I suppose it's good that someone with one of those views feels comfortable enough to voice it here as we are given the opportunity to change their mind through rational discussion. On Twitter they'll either be too scared to discuss it (no opportunity for us to change their opinion) or they'll bring it up, face the mob, and likely their belief will become hardened.

gaur 10y ago
Agreed—doxxing or otherwise harassing someone just for posting a certain opinion is extremely illiberal.

Mendenhall 10y ago

I think its even more important to treat them with respect. I understand how frustrating it can be and the urge to say "you idiot" but I find it counter productive. I think its best to let the light shine on that sort of ignorance, even if I am group "x". I want the contrast of cool calm and rational against the heated ignorance.

ams6110 10y ago

What if said person is a young person who had been raised to believe this? Not really his fault, right? And perhaps a civil discussion with others who disagree might lead him to a personal re-evaluation of his beliefs. A response of "you are dumb and hateful" is not likly to bring that about.