I'm sick of this forum.

[Katzpur]

Hey, we all feel that way from time to time. Maybe you just need a break. You're right about one thing, though... You do have friends here and we'd miss you, so if you take some time off, please remember that and don't stay away for too long. This is a pretty open forum. Some of the things comments that are said her wouldn't be tolerated for a minute on the one other forum I post on. Free speech has its benefits. It can also be extraordinarily hurtful.

 

[Technologicalsociety]

There is too much hatred and bigotry on this site. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, bashing Muslims, bashing Jews, etc. It's way out of hand here. In one thread, you have a poster accusing transgender people of being mentally ill sexual predators and in another, you have a poster going on an anti-black racist rant (with a "like" from a staff member, no less!). And that's only what I've seen tonight. It's getting to the point where I do not feel this is a welcoming or respectful message board. I have more productive and respectful discussions on Facebook. At least there I do not have to pretend to be nice to people who obviously see me as subhuman.

This site needs to change and do better. I really don't want to leave this site as I have friends here and good memories, but I often find myself angry, hurt and sad reading posts on this site. I really wonder why I bother when this place can be so toxic. I just wanted to air my concerns. It's something that's been on my mind for awhile.

I just joined and noticed what you are speaking of immediately. I think to myself that a lot of those posts are just bait to start arguments. The ignore option works profoundly well but I honestly don't consider that the best option. It is something within me that gets offended and not what is actually being said. I also ask myself who am I to judge what they say in a moment? I have no idea if they are just making sarcastic remarks to make the true bigots realise how silly they sound. That works quite well and I think there is a popular thread at the moment where a certain Christian is doing just that. He isn't swearing or attacking groups but he is making remarks similar to what another group of people might say but in an exaggerated manner.

It is my opinion that you shouldn't leave anything due to stress because it is that stress that helps you to grow as a person. Without stress you would have no need to exert yourself to your fullest potential. Sincerely, carry on and perhaps think of how you might even contribute to someone feeling how you feel now. We can always be more eloquent and considerate of others. Nobody is perfect as they say but we are blessed with a concept of impeccability. Strive towards impeccability. Take care.

 

[icehorse]

I absolutely think that. I know many dogmatic atheists, Christians, a few Mormons etc. They have neither maimed or killed anyone. Dogmatism is a thought condition, no more violent than people who are dogmatic about a flat earth, or think babies are found under cabbage leaves.

Thoughts lead to violence only when a person or persons choose violence. Being dogmatic is irrelevant to them making that choice

But they give cover to those that do. They help normalize the idea that some ideas are immune from discussion. So indirectly, even if they are not personally violent, they adhere to a system that can and frequently does lead to violence. The notion that some ideas are above discussion is "pap".

 

[TransmutingSoul]

In my opinion the main reason people have rejected he Bahai Faith is due to literalism. Their all waiting for Jesus to return from the sky. Based on that false belief Baha'u'llah cant be the christ.

Good to have met you Terry.

I see the events of the world are bringing us to the time when change must happen.

I hope you stay safe and happy during this time, it will not be easy.

I had a glance at your book and in Biblical terms it is interesting and I am wondering if you have yet balanced your thoughts with what Baha'u'llah has offered in the Kitabi-aqdas on these subjects? Please email if you have.

Regards Tony

 

[Twilight Hue]

There is too much hatred and bigotry on this site. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, bashing Muslims, bashing Jews, etc. It's way out of hand here. In one thread, you have a poster accusing transgender people of being mentally ill sexual predators and in another, you have a poster going on an anti-black racist rant (with a "like" from a staff member, no less!). And that's only what I've seen tonight. It's getting to the point where I do not feel this is a welcoming or respectful message board. I have more productive and respectful discussions on Facebook. At least there I do not have to pretend to be nice to people who obviously see me as subhuman.

This site needs to change and do better. I really don't want to leave this site as I have friends here and good memories, but I often find myself angry, hurt and sad reading posts on this site. I really wonder why I bother when this place can be so toxic. I just wanted to air my concerns. It's something that's been on my mind for awhile.

This place is mild compared to some of the forums I've been to. Besides there are debate areas for the gladiatorial combat.

I'd recommend sticking to the discussion and dir for the respite.

 

[Quagmire]

If I could ask God one question it would be,, "just what percentage of the human population are idiots, and is it OK to just ignore them"?

Of course, He would just say, "Ummm, that's two questions" and then someone else would show up in the park and I'd have to stop talking to myself in public.

 

[oldbadger]

There is too much hatred and bigotry on this site. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, bashing Muslims, bashing Jews, etc. It's way out of hand here. In one thread, you have a poster accusing transgender people of being mentally ill sexual predators and in another, you have a poster going on an anti-black racist rant (with a "like" from a staff member, no less!). And that's only what I've seen tonight. It's getting to the point where I do not feel this is a welcoming or respectful message board. I have more productive and respectful discussions on Facebook. At least there I do not have to pretend to be nice to people who obviously see me as subhuman.

This site needs to change and do better. I really don't want to leave this site as I have friends here and good memories, but I often find myself angry, hurt and sad reading posts on this site. I really wonder why I bother when this place can be so toxic. I just wanted to air my concerns. It's something that's been on my mind for awhile.

I understand what you are saying and feeling, but this site must be one of the best, most balanced, well behaved forums that I have visited.

To keep my view as objective as possible I visit two really dreadful theological forums to read its regular members and also its moderator's posts. This, for me, is an easy quick-fix for any occasional negative thoughts I might ever entertain about this site.

Hang around, Lucifer, you've been here too long to ditch now.

 

[oldbadger]

If I could ask God one question it would be,, "just what percentage of the human population are idiots, and is it OK to just ignore them"?.

Ah ha! So that's why I never get posts from you.... !!

 

[TransmutingSoul]

Your view has some weight. If your view disagreed with Baha'u'llah's view, chances are you wouldn't be citing him here.

If I had not found Baha'u'llahs advice, that needs to be shared, I would not be here.

Regards Tony

 

[Vinayaka]

If I had not found Baha'u'llahs advice, that needs to be shared, I would not be here.

Regards Tony

So is this an admission that the only reason you're here is to proselytize?

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I think you railing against Barbara Bush in another thread is a perfect example of the “hatred” you claim exists on this site. So, maybe you should look in a mirror. Maybe, if you think there’s a problem, you can begin the change yourself. Good luck.

Criticizing a dead public figure over things they've said is not the same as expressing bigotry and hatred towards fellow forum members. We can have our opinions on individuals and their characters, after all. Otherwise you might as well be saying that we should only say nice things about people like Hitler, too. I was hardly "railing", either.

 

[TransmutingSoul]

So is this an admission that the only reason you're here is to proselytize?

If that is the way you wish to see it. After all you are the one that makes sure this is pursued by the moderators and most likely in this thread as well.

I am definitly not here to offer anything from my own self, that would just add to the ills of the world.

I wish you happy and all the best in life and most likely goodbye.

Regards Tony

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

Wow. So many replies. I didn't expect this thread to get so many. I was nervous posting it because I thought there would be a backlash and I would be seen as "too sensitive". But obviously it's not just me. Maybe we can then work harder to call out such things and report them. I was venting because I was upset last night but maybe it will end up helping things. We'll see.

I may reduce my posting. I mostly just feel like gaming lately, anyway. Lol.

 

[Srivijaya]

I understand what you are saying and feeling, but this site must be one of the best, most balanced, well behaved forums that I have visited.

I want to echo this.

Most people are very chilled on here I find. There's a kind of low-level Americans civil war in progress but otherwise it seems quite placid.

Still, if you're really getting stressed out then take a break. The internet has that quality that we can somehow be made to take it too seriously, especially when it's an issue close to our hearts.

 

[Debater Slayer]

There is too much hatred and bigotry on this site. Racism, homophobia, transphobia, bashing Muslims, bashing Jews, etc. It's way out of hand here. In one thread, you have a poster accusing transgender people of being mentally ill sexual predators and in another, you have a poster going on an anti-black racist rant (with a "like" from a staff member, no less!). And that's only what I've seen tonight. It's getting to the point where I do not feel this is a welcoming or respectful message board. I have more productive and respectful discussions on Facebook. At least there I do not have to pretend to be nice to people who obviously see me as subhuman.

This site needs to change and do better. I really don't want to leave this site as I have friends here and good memories, but I often find myself angry, hurt and sad reading posts on this site. I really wonder why I bother when this place can be so toxic. I just wanted to air my concerns. It's something that's been on my mind for awhile.

I have noticed that some posts lately have been rather bigoted--especially since the last U.S. election cycle. In my seven years here, I've seen a lot of toxicity--which I expected on an open, diverse forum--but never to the extent of the 2016-2018 period, mainly because of the extremely charged political climate.

Let me put it this way, though: just like there are hateful, ignorant posts, there are others that are reasonable and well-informed. I can say with certainty that if it hadn't been for the latter type, I might still be a homophobic, misogynistic, religiously hateful bigot. So please remember the importance of your voice every time you think of leaving--and do consider a break instead. A timeout could help, I think, and make the forum more fresh for you when you're back.

Best of luck. I have found this place of significant benefit over the years, but if some of the posts' negativity outweighs any benefit to you, maybe it's time for a break until you feel that the benefit will again outweigh the negativity.

Cheers.

 

[Deidre]

I understand the “snowflake” comments but a forum can turn to pure trash talk if there aren’t any rules and it becomes a free for all. RF welcomes diversity, so while you can have opinions, attacking and insulting people shouldn’t have a place here.

 

[Debater Slayer]

I understand the “snowflake” comments but a forum can turn to pure trash talk if there aren’t any rules and it becomes a free for all. RF welcomes diversity, so while you can have opinions, attacking and insulting people shouldn’t have a place here.

Just in case it is any help, I'm mentioning this: backstage, we have never based support or opposition to any given policy on reasoning such as "that would be for snowflakes" or "only snowflakes would be offended by that!" So rest assured that these types of mocking, dismissive arguments hold no weight when it comes to how this place is actually run.

 

[Saint Frankenstein]

I have noticed that some posts lately have been rather bigoted--especially since the last U.S. election cycle. In my seven years here, I've seen a lot of toxicity--which I expected on an open, diverse forum--but never to the extent of the 2016-2018 period, mainly because of the extremely charged political climate.

Let me put it this way, though: just like there are hateful, ignorant posts, there are others that are reasonable and well-informed. I can say with certainty that if it hadn't been for the latter type, I might still be a homophobic, misogynistic, religiously hateful bigot. So please remember the importance of your voice every time you think of leaving--and do consider a break instead. A timeout could help, I think, and make the forum more fresh for you when you're back.

Best of luck. I have found this place of significant benefit over the years, but if some of the posts' negativity outweighs any benefit to you, maybe it's time for a break until you feel that the benefit will again outweigh the negativity.

Cheers.

I definitely agree that the present political atmosphere in the US is a major driver in the uptick in hate speech on this and other forums. I don't recall it being this bad before and I've been here since 2012. Bigots are feeling empowered lately. I hope it will pass when the orange one is out of office and his movement evaporates. I will surely do my part by voting.

 

[Debater Slayer]

I definitely agree that the present political atmosphere in the US is a major driver in the uptick in hate speech on this and other forums. I don't recall it being this bad before and I've been here since 2012. Bigots are feeling empowered lately. I hope it will pass when the orange one is out of office and his movement evaporates. I will surely do my part by voting.

I remember the 2012 election cycle on this forum, and yeah, it was much less caustic than the current one even though there was strong disagreement between Obama's and Romney's supporters. The 2016 cycle seems to have brought out the very worst tribalistic tendencies in a lot of people, and like you, I'm hoping the negativity passes soon enough.

 

[Subduction Zone]

I definitely agree that the present political atmosphere in the US is a major driver in the uptick in hate speech on this and other forums. I don't recall it being this bad before and I've been here since 2012. Bigots are feeling empowered lately. I hope it will pass when the orange one is out of office and his movement evaporates. I will surely do my part by voting.

Vote early, vote often

I think the smarter Republicans know that they are in for a drubbing. What else would be the reason for Paul Ryan not running again? He is probably in a safe seat, but I am betting that he does not want to face the fact that he will be forced out of being the Speaker of the House. Better to resign with dignity before one is thrown out by the opposition.