racism is bad, censorship is worse

[Dave Gray]

Maybe if we were discussing a different type of activity though.

Agreed.  It's not even that it's hate speech, though it is.  It's that if you're a bailiff, you can't call people the N-word in the courtroom.  Even though it's a government entity, there is a conduct code that you're breaking.

[pondwater]

Why is this even in the news? The media is the main problem by fanning the flames. There are racists, assholes, homophobes, and all other versions of scum on the earth. It's 2015, why is this such a shock to people? Here's a novel idea, if you don't like what someone has to say. You should probably ignore them because they're never going to stop.

It seems that there's a media explosion, riot, or march in the streets every time some asshole says something that the sissified politically correct media doesn't like. It's pure non sense. And anyone that disagrees, I have a tidbit of info for you. There will always be racists, assholes, homophobes, and all other versions of scum on the earth, they aren't going anywhere.

As far as the college and frat kicking them out, I could care less either way. These type people will always have somewhere to go. Black panthers, kkk, or some other group with an unpopular opinion.

[Brian Fein]

Why is this even in the news? The media is the main problem by fanning the flames.

I didn't even know this was a thing until i read this thread, so they are doing a terrible flame-fanning job.

[pondwater]

I didn't even know this was a thing until i read this thread, so they are doing a terrible flame-fanning job.

This has been all over national news on TV, internet, and news papers for the past few days. Google "racist rant".

[masterfins]

Why is this even in the news? The media is the main problem by fanning the flames. There are racists, assholes, homophobes, and all other versions of scum on the earth. It's 2015, why is this such a shock to people? Here's a novel idea, if you don't like what someone has to say. You should probably ignore them because they're never going to stop.

It seems that there's a media explosion, riot, or march in the streets every time some asshole says something that the sissified politically correct media doesn't like. It's pure non sense. And anyone that disagrees, I have a tidbit of info for you. There will always be racists, assholes, homophobes, and all other versions of scum on the earth, they aren't going anywhere.

As far as the college and frat kicking them out, I could care less either way. These type people will always have somewhere to go. Black panthers, kkk, or some other group with an unpopular opinion.

I agree with ignoring people who spout off about things you don't agree with, or changing the channel if you don't like a show.  BUT, ignoring people that make vile racist chants about hanging a segment of the population is not something that should be ignored.  Especially, since tax dollars are being used to partially provide them with the forum to make said statements.

[Fau Teixeira]

the news should fan the flames .. this isn't acceptable behavior in our society any longer .. nothing like a bit of public scorn and humiliation to reinforce that fact.

[pondwater]

the news should fan the flames .. this isn't acceptable behavior in our society any longer .. nothing like a bit of public scorn and humiliation to reinforce that fact.

Of course it's acceptable. You may not like it, but you have to accept it because there is nothing that you can do about it. Public scorn and humiliation will not end this type of thing. A good percentage of people like this are proud of their beliefs.

If someone doesn't like black people, jews, gays, or even ME. So be it, more power to them. I don't agree with the way everyone acts, however there is a danger trying to make people conform to your opinions and standards. Let people live the way they want. As long as they are not breaking laws, physically hurting, or threatening a specific person then there is nothing you can or should do.

[Spider-Dan]

Why is this even in the news? The media is the main problem by fanning the flames.

This part sounds like you're saying it's not really newsworthy.

There are racists, assholes, homophobes, and all other versions of scum on the earth. It's 2015, why is this such a shock to people?

And this part sounds like you're saying it should be expected, which is a strange development.  I thought the fact that we elected a black president proved that racism was over in America?

It seems that there's a media explosion, riot, or march in the streets every time some asshole says something that the sissified politically correct media doesn't like.

But then this part sounds like what the frat was saying is only a big deal because of politically correct sissies (i.e. it's not really bad at all).  Hmmm.

Here's a novel idea, if you don't like what someone has to say. You should probably ignore them because they're never going to stop.

If you don't like what someone has to say, you should just shut up and ignore them?
I'll make sure to mention that the next time someone talks about new gun restrictions or healthcare legislation!

Of course, the whole "shut up and ignore them" strategy certainly doesn't apply to, say, discussions about sissified politically correct media, does it?

As far as the college and frat kicking them out, I could care less either way. These type people will always have somewhere to go. Black panthers, kkk, or some other group with an unpopular opinion.

Don't forget about the rap music!  We have to keep laser focus on the REAL cause of these problems.

[Sunstroke]

Of course it's acceptable. You may not like it, but you have to accept it because there is nothing that you can do about it.

Of course there is something that people can do about it. You stand as a prime example. 50-60 years ago, there was a much higher percentage of the population who believed that this sort of blatant racism was acceptable. These days, the number of people like you have been drastically reduced. Who knows, in another 50-60 years, there might not be any racist antisocial nutjobs left at all...

[pondwater]

Of course there is something that people can do about it. You stand as a prime example. 50-60 years ago, there was a much higher percentage of the population who believed that this sort of blatant racism was acceptable. These days, the number of people like you have been drastically reduced. Who knows, in another 50-60 years, there might not be any racist antisocial nutjobs left at all...

So are you trying to call me a racist or a person who thinks it's acceptable to be a racist in a free society? Because those are two very different things.

Also, let me get this straight. Do you believe that it isn't acceptable for a citizen of the United States to have racist views or opinions? And/or to voice those opinions?

[Spider-Dan]

It's a little too late to hide behind the cloak of "I detest what you say, but will defend your right to say it."

See, you were just busy attacking free speech... no, not the racist chants, but everyone who was talking about the racist chants.  So why aren't you willing to defend the right of people to criticize racists?

The fact that you have a bigger issue with the statements of people criticizing racists than the original racist statements sums up your position tidily.

[pondwater]

It's a little too late to hide behind the cloak of "I detest what you say, but will defend your right to say it."

See, you were just busy attacking free speech... no, not the racist chants, but everyone who was talking about the racist chants.  So why aren't you willing to defend the right of people to criticize racists?

The fact that you have a bigger issue with the statements of people criticizing racists than the original racist statements sums up your position tidily.

And the fact that you care about what a bigot says or thinks sums up your self esteem issues tidily.

[Spider-Dan]

And the fact that you care about what a bigot says or thinks sums up your self esteem issues tidily.

Are you... talking about yourself?  That's extraordinarily direct, even for you.

I mean, I am responding to you, so I guess that means I care what you say and think, right?

[Sunstroke]

So are you trying to call me a racist or a person who thinks it's acceptable to be a racist in a free society? Because those are two very different things.

On the first...not enough information to make that claim, but enough behavioral psych credits to consider it a distinct possibility. On the second...obviously, as you've stated as much.

Also, let me get this straight. Do you believe that it isn't acceptable for a citizen of the United States to have racist views or opinions? And/or to voice those opinions?

You spend enough time twisting things that I doubt that you really want to get anything straight. As for racism, I find all aspects of it to be unacceptable in a modern society.

[pondwater]

Are you... talking about yourself?  That's extraordinarily direct, even for you.

I mean, I am responding to you, so I guess that means I care what you say and think, right?

It seems to me that you care what the guy in the fraternity was saying about black people. Why do you feel the need to have his approval? Why does it matter to you what he thinks of black people? Once you value yourself, you will cease to care what people think or say about you. Maybe you'll "get it" one day, maybe not.