What is it with trolls?

[_The Nehor]

I know the ignore button is very unpopular with some, but I think it is needed.

Agreed.

I also agree but I think bcspace's solution works for one. I already have two people on my ignore list.

[_guy sajer]

I think that you can discern almost nothing about somebody based solely on trolling an internet discussion board.

No offense, but I think that your psychoanalysis in this case is way overboard.

[_antishock8]

I don't have a problem with mocking retarded people. Really. I think I'm just insensitive.

Also, I think the Ignore Button is for someone who is extremely undisciplined. For example, I had gotten to the point if I ever saw LoaP's or Nehor's handles pop up I would just skim over their posts. They've had nothing to add for so long, and their posts are so devoid of anything stimulating that I just go on autopass.

That seems more reasonable to me than the invisible bigotry the Ignore feature offers....

[_beastie]

You have a built in ignore button. You can recognize a name and an avatar.

That doesn't work with big pictures - you know, like the one you posted. Of course, an ignore button isn't a perfect solution, because sometimes posters can unpleasantly surprise you, like you did with that picture. Perhaps I didn't pay close enough attention to you in the past, but I was surprised.

[_The Nehor]

You have a built in ignore button. You can recognize a name and an avatar.

That doesn't work with big pictures - you know, like the one you posted. Of course, an ignore button isn't a perfect solution, because sometimes posters can unpleasantly surprise you, like you did with that picture. Perhaps I don't pay close enough attention to you in the past, but I was surprised.

Now you know....and knowing is half the battle.

G.I. JOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://youtube.com/watch?v=GJ-ckU_D1fg

[_bcspace]

You have a built in ignore button. You can recognize a name and an avatar.

That doesn't work with big pictures - you know, like the one you posted. Of course, an ignore button isn't a perfect solution, because sometimes posters can unpleasantly surprise you, like you did with that picture. Perhaps I don't pay close enough attention to you in the past, but I was surprised.

One has to go through life presented with all sorts of offensive images and yet we still are able to ignore them. I have no sympathy for you in this regard.

It's really ironic <looking around for another offensive picture> how you all laud the freedom to post here as you wish, with some very minor guidelines, UNLESS someone else offends you.

Shocking! Are you beginning to agree with rules such as those on the MADB now? lol

[_Moniker]

Here's the problem, as I see it. When you grow up limited in dealing with those that differ from you there is a strong likelihood that you will have little opportunity to practice getting into others minds -- empathy. It's quite possible that when dealing with people that can not step back and recognize how others view them, how they may need to reword their comments, etc... that they have been quite limited in dealing with anyone but others that are quite like themselves.

Most people I've ever dealt with can say something and then read the reactions on others faces, their comments, adjustments to body language and recognize how they're coming across -- perhaps insensitively, perhaps bigoted, etc... and will usually self critique their remarks from then on out. Not that they must stop saying what is on their mind, merely they can relate to their audience and read how they look in another's eyes and adjust the way the message is given. This is an ability that could be severely lacking when the audience you've had most of your life nods and smiles right along with you.

I'm sure we've all been at a party, a dinner, etc... where someone says something and a few laughs are had then someone pipes up from the corner with a personal statement that makes everyone cringe and recognize how their comments came across to someone else. Usually there is a bit of uncomfortableness and then perhaps an apology or the conversation moves on with everyone being a bit more sensitive -- we read each other and adapt to our surroundings. What if your surroundings were homogenized most of your life? The ugly American syndrome can be seen played out across the globe when we hop about and are ignorant of customs and sensibilities. Now we have the Ugly American Mormon syndrome where this is amplified to a startling degree.

My take.

[_beastie]

Interesting thoughts, moniker. It is certainly true that when LDS dominate in a geographic area, it tends to become homogenized. Utah, Idaho, immediately spring to mind.

But what really confuses me about this is that the LDS church actively teaches that disabled people ought to be respected. It teaches that the mentally disabled, in particular, were worthier in the pre-existence and don't need to be "tested" the way the rest of us do - that they are automatically guaranteed entrance into the CK.

Did I just take these teachings seriously because I was a convert? Is it a teaching that life long members ignore?

I really cannot bring myself to believe that many LDS would feel comfortable mocking the disabled for a "joke" the way a few do here.

[_bcspace]

Here's the problem, as I see it. When you grow up limited in dealing with those that differ from you there is a strong likelihood that you will have little opportunity to practice getting into others minds -- empathy. It's quite possible that when dealing with people that can not step back and recognize how others view them, how they may need to reword their comments, etc... that they have been quite limited in dealing with anyone but others that are quite like themselves.

Indeed. Having lived in many different places and circumstances has made me more immune to this.

What if your surroundings were homogenized most of your life? The ugly American syndrome can be seen played out across the globe when we hop about and are ignorant of customs and sensibilities.

If you have any experence in this, then you should know it works both ways. Those who become offended become so often because they themselves are ignorant of the visitor's customs and sensibilites.

[_beastie]

If you have any experence in this, then you should know it works both ways. Those who become offended become so often because they themselves are ignorant of the visitor's customs and sensibilites.

Moniker,

I guess even as a convert of 15 years, I never got used to Mormon customs and sensibilities, otherwise I'd realize that using the mentally handicapped to poke fun at others is great sport.