Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
My take on this is "would you say it in the pub to someone you didn't know?". If the answer is no or not sure, then don't post it.
If you said it in a pub you'd at best be ostracised, possibly be thumped or kicked out. Online really isn't that different, there is no carte blanche. We're adults and need to be responsible for our actions, we shouldn't even need Mods although I appreciate why there are.
As a forum primarily to support people, I don't think our target should be "would that be okay in a pub?"
The kinds of things that are upsetting members and making them not want to be here would go over just fine in lots of pubs, but I imagine the majority of people here wouldn't choose to spend their time in a place like that. It's not like casual sexism, racism, homophobia and generally being atrociously insensitive are extinct in our general society.
I think the 'pub' setting is not the crux of the argument here. The crux is, if you would not be willing to say something to someone to their face, do not say it here, and hide behind anonymity. I think we are all aware of how the anonymity of the internet allows people who have the tendency to say extreme and hurtful things that they would not voice in real life.
Agree with what both you and TriS say. It's about treating people with respect at the end of the day even if you don't agree with them. Shouldn't matter if it's online or face to face.