Axis Mundi X discussion

“Being offended is a natural consequence of leaving the house” - Fran Lebowitz

So... I've been mulling over the "Jesus/Pedophile" thread. Brendan's and Donald's comments have given me pause, as have Paul's. Is it right that fear of offending others should curtail our freedom of speech here in Axis?

In the Haters Club it is simple. If you don't have a thick skin, don't go wandering in there. Everything is fair game. I decided to create this group out of a reaction to being disappointed at the level to which rhetoric sunk in THC. I wanted to open the forum up to a greater freedom to not only hate on things, but to love on them, to passe on them, and to dress them in stretch pants if need be. However, I think it is important for Free Speech to reign in this forum, above all else.

Religion, Politics, Sex, Money, Gender, Class... and other hot button topics are bound to offend someone at some time or another. I find many view points that some of you hold to be offensive to me personally. However, although I wield the power as moderator of this group to edit, delete, and banish at whim, I would not choose to do that simply on the basis of being offended by someone's speech. It goes against principles I hold more dear.

When I spoke to Sarah's being offended by the inadvertent comment about people of faith, I was not speaking as moderator. It is a delicate balance I try to strike in here between exercising my own freedom of speech and my role as moderator.

As moderator I would say that the only speech I would curtail in here would be that which was clearly (to me) spamming, trolling, or inciting hatred for it's own sake. Hell, I didn't even edit Maureen when she called me a "poopyhead". Nor did I end her membership. She chose to leave of her own accord.

Here's a question for our age:

Do people have a right to not be offended?

I know what my answer to it is, but I would welcome a open discussion about it here, hopefully in the interests of clearing up any future snarls that arise.

Anybody? Beuhler?

I don't ask that moderators curtail speech or censor in any way. I would hope that as intelligent adults we would think before we type, and try to refrain from insulting each other personally. Disagreeing with one's views is different from calling them an idiot for believing in them.

That said, I realize that I really just need to stay out of religious threads. It's difficult, though, when snide remarks pop up in unrelated threads because someone's trying to be funny and carry on a running gag.

But I'd never ask a moderator to delete comments or to disallow them just because I don't agree. If it came down to that, I'd leave the group before suggesting something like that. It's easier to change my own behavior than to ask others to change theirs.

I've left the Haters group twice now when I felt like good natured ribbing crossed the line.

:::pokes Donald with a stick and discovers a layer of delicious creamy filling just beneath his delicate and handsome hide::::

Sarah, I didn't think you were looking for me to curtail anything.

I've been impressed at how we keep to the issues, and avoid the personal attacks. I think it helps that it's all at a remove, and we have time to reflect before responding.
Can I get that 3.75 in quarters, Donna? I could use it for bus fare on Monday...

Is it the One Ring?

I like lifesavers. Especially wintOgreen.
And the Canadian quarter is actually worth more than the American one. At least, it was a few days ago.

I just joined and I'm an avid crocheter and reader. I read in the mornings, sometimes at break at work and during lunch if I stay in and mostly crochet at night. On weekends it's up in the air. Depends on what's on TV.

Barb D

Charissa if there is anyone in this group that is carelessly offensive I think it would be me. For the record I say what I think at the time, often willing to alter my statement or take back a joke if someone is really "hurt" by it. Not offended I really don't care if I offend anyone. But I do not set out everyday to hurt someone’s feelings.

I think I offend people by the absolute unassailable logic of my own arguments, but more likely by the deadpan nature of my humour. Sorry bout that. This group needs more rightwingers. The only time I got offended on any of Goodreads is when I realised not everyone was as offended at American Psycho as I was. I knew a (very beautiful, since you ask) Jehovah's Witness once who thought the movie Life of Brian was hilarious. This surprised me and taught me a lesson about the nature of offense.

Bert I. Gordon was a hack. A HACK I say!
How's that, KD?

http://thankraptorjesus.ytmnd.com/

I wanna know how she found out that I secretly rub shit into my hair.

I'm offended on behalf of the gel industry that Charissa is describing it as "shit".

Charissa, maybe you need a Washlet.

who uses gel? I'm a rasta, baby. Me and horse dung are one! Irie!

Yeah, I know.
Should I attack Ed Wood, instead?

I'm new here.

I was absolutely amazed that there is a "Haters" group. Then I realized it's a great idea. Like the "Rants" section of Craig's List. There is a place for people to do what they feel they need to do, so you can tell them to take it over there when they mess with nice people having reasoned discussions.

I just joined the Athiests, and was gratified to see that the posts I found there were not attacks on Athiest by people who want to warn them that they are going to burn in Hell....

Since there is a "Haters" group, I figure that has got to be enough of a wqrning not to go ther if you're not interested in being pissed off.

I figure that there reqally are people who would PAY if they had to to get into an argument (recalling the Monte Python skit!) but I get enough strife without seeking it out.

So I guess we 'follow our bliss' -- get offended if you get off on getting offended. ;->

Holding the sorts of affinities that get me labelled as a crank in polite company, also gets me a particular sort of "apology" on a regular basis. Someone who would like to enjoy the assumed camaraderie of good-natured sexism or racism and sees me in the group will either begin or end hir contribution with "I'm sorry if this offends you, but" or the even more classic "i don't mean to offend you," etc.
I used to just have a little conversation with myself, but eventually i just said it out loud. "I'm not offended. I'm informed." Which can be misunderstood, but i'm not always up to saying "well i just learned a whole lot about you, dint i? thanks for the heads up."
It is a waste of time to point out to people that their unexplored gender or race-based hatred really does me no personal harm, and that exposing it moves me to pity more often than not. I save what i can muster of hatred for the people who rather than telling jokes or sharing quips on line get to legislate their venomous ignorance into the law of the land governing the existence of the disenfranchised.
o hell. i digress.

I was just walking merrily along the sidewalks of Goodreads when I tripped over a crack in the pavement, only to be pleasantly surpirsed to land face-first in this:

http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/show/...

It seemed apropos. And he's speaking at one of the colleges in my town next fall, so now I'm even more excited to see him.

Poor old Salman. He exercised his freedom to offend all right. The Muslims then exercised their freedom to issue death threats. If we're talking about being offended, the Muslims are streets ahead of us all. I was impressed by the European magazines which deliberately reprinted the (unfunny) Danish cartoons. Not sure I would have done that.

>>Do people have a right to not be offended?

No, of course not; don't be silly. The only thing as ridiculous as thinking one has the right to not be offended is actually being offended. The thought and emotion are a waste of time.

I just joined here.

I knit (for about 2 years now), and I have been embroidering since I was a child. I have done needlepoint and cross stitch since the late 1970s.

I think I have projects going or planned in all these crafts, too!

I like to knit/whatever while watching TV, if I can follow what's going on by listening well enough - or if it's professional sports.

heh, this is something white people like.

;)

Ha, Gary, I love that website...we pass it back and forth at work a lot...

Oh, my. I just noticed your post, Gary!

I'm so UNBELIEVABLY white!!!!!!!

:::Laughing::: That was so funny ...

Hey! Just found this group! Mystery paperbacks and crocheting are my vices :)

Recently found this group, too. I'm an avid knitter who does some crocheting, too. I listen to books as well as read while I do my knitting.

Hello!

I just found this group. I am an avid crocheter, cross stitcher and beginner knitter. I love to read, mysteries especially.

I am looking forward to chatting and sharing my work with everyone.

Dana

Hi Dana, welcome to the group :)

Hi Dana,

I'm Christy, the owner/moderator of this group...which is dead.

You mayw ant to join my group by the same name on Yahoo groups....it's not much livelier, but we can arrange a bookmark swap with just 2 interested parties...you and me probably.

Just search for yahoo groups and type something like the group title into the search window and it should pop right up.

Thanks for joining us!

Christy

Anne wrote: "Hi Dana
Welcome to the group--cross stitching is my addiction! I love cozies.....and thank heaven for a kindle!"

The invitation extends to you as well Anne!

Christy

Christine wrote: "Hi Dana,

I'm Christy, the owner/moderator of this group...which is dead.

You mayw ant to join my group by the same name on Yahoo groups....it's not much livelier, but we can arrange a bookmark sw..."

Christy, your post made me laugh! Maybe we're so busy trying to balance stitching and reading that we have no time to post on this group? Anyway, thanks for the laugh and I promise I'll try to post more often. No more gloomy Christy!

Here's the link for anyone who would like to join us...we can start swaps at any time for whoever is interested. Bwe sure to list your name and address and preferences and such in hte database for that purpose.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/A_dilem...

Thanks!

Christy

Oh, its still a group, just very quiet.

Maybe we could get a bit of convo going on what we are reading and working on.

I was really MIA for most of this month with a short stint in the clinic for a meds adjustment and then being really invalided with a salivary gland infection that is still on the mend.

I am reading, "Divergent" and making an afghan for the Veterans Hospital.

I'm reading "Assumed Identity" and stitching The Red & The Black.

I am reading Winter of Discontent and cross stitching on Crossed Wing Collection Bluebird. My cross stitch rotation changes every Monday. I am new to this group. I do mostly cross stitch and I am an avid mystery reader. I listen to mysteries on my IPod while I stitch so I can keep up with both hobbies.

What a great idea Marjo!

I am new to the group as well. I tend to be more of a "lurker" on groups - usually because I'm as far behind on reading anything as I am on my stitching! Cross stitch is my first love, but I'll try just about anything. I'm currently working on Quaker Christmas II primarily and am reading an older book that my mom had in her collection before she past away. It's a Patricia Moyes book in the Inspector Henry Tibbett series called The Curious Affair of the Third Dog.

Karen, I had to Google to find The Red & The Black. If it's the one on the Nordic Needle site, it's gorgeous. I think that one is starting to call my name. (as if I needed another project!)

Do any of us need another project? (Or book for that matter!) I know it usually doesn't stop me!