Bebop on 1/2/2007 at 12:33
Taboos
I made a thread yesterday that I thought was cleverly satirical, but instead it was in bad taste and not funny. The purpose of the thread was to gauge the temperament of the community (since I’m new) and to see what is taboo and what isn’t. Upon reflection, the thread seemed belligerent, and for that I apologize.
Instead of trying to indirectly spark a discussion on taboos in social settings and forums, I’ll ask it directly: What are some of the taboos or things we can’t say (political correctness) because society frowns upon it? Some of these things are just annoying.
Feminism in Language: When I first read that feminists wanted to change the word “history” to “herstory” I laughed, when I heard one of my teachers say it, I cringed. Also, why even bother writing his/her, if its apparent that the writer is speaking of an abstract person, then I find it unnecessary. Why can’t we say that there are some things that men are better at certain things? Obviously we can, but somehow it feels sexist if we say it in a social setting, so often times, conscientious people, will refrain from saying it. Men may be better because society has geared men to certain things and women to other things, like boys were always geared toward sports and girls toward dolls. These are stereotypes, yes, but there is always a reason for stereotypes. Anyways if I keep going, I’ll probably start going off –topic, so I’d like you guys to contribute.
Other taboos:
Everyone is scared of talking about Death (even to themselves). It’s something common to everyone and it’s our last experience we’ll ever have. People disregard it because it feels unnecessary to even think about it. But the way you think and feel about death affects the way you think about life.
Racial taboos, Religious taboos, Gay taboos, Politics (why can’t you question someone politics without them saying “that’s just what I think, and you can’t change my mind”, as if it was some type of dogma outside of the sphere of reason and debate)… etc.
Discuss.
Moi Dix Mois on 1/2/2007 at 12:38
Never breast-fed, eh?
Bebop on 1/2/2007 at 12:51
Actually, believe it or not, I was which may have contributed to my ability to put together ideas, opinions and retorts. Your breast milk must have been spoiled, did you check the expiration date?
Vivian on 1/2/2007 at 12:52
What the hell are you talking about?
PigLick on 1/2/2007 at 12:57
I think he wants to chat about life and stuff.
Paz on 1/2/2007 at 13:10
He's back!
I don't think you were (temporarily) banned because the thread you tried to post was "taboo" as such - I believe it was a reaction to your somewhat esoteric posting history up to that point.
Out of about 10 posts, some were fine and dandy, others seemed batshit insane and others walked a sort of ridiculous-satire tightrope. When this was followed by a Pat Robertson-esque uberthread, I suspect that probably tipped THE AUTHORITIES into "hmm, he's probably just a shit-stirring troll" territory.
Therefore, I would attribute your problems to leaping in too deep before anyone "knows" you (making jokes harder to differentiate) and some sort of internal misunderstanding.
[edit] In fact, this otherwise utterly shit thread (
http://www.ttlg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1553550#post1553550) explains further.
Regarding taboos, I'd say they're highly individual matters. People get offended by different stuff and when you find out precisely what causes them grief you have to decide whether you're going to respect that, or whether you find it too ludicrous to care about.
Making jokes about death in general - probably fine.
Making jokes about death to someone who just lost a close relative - probably unwise and if you did it intentionally you're a nasty piece of work.
It's fairly simple social interaction, really.
A lot of things which are tainted by the now-co-opted-for-the-forces-of-evil phrase "political correctness" are merely matters of basic politeness and respect.
Shayde on 1/2/2007 at 13:14
Judging by your posts so far I would say you have very little social skill and should probably talk as little as possible to as few people as possible.
Both online and in real life.
Then you won't have to worry about upsetting anyone.
Hope this helped :)
Paz on 1/2/2007 at 13:18
I dunno, this guy expresses himself a lot better than some current residents.
ALL WE ARE SAYING IS GIVE MINOR-TURTLES-VILLAINS (PEACE) A CHANCE
Moi Dix Mois on 1/2/2007 at 13:23
I want to try some of Bebop's magic brain-enhancing boob milk.
Shayde on 1/2/2007 at 13:24
Why are you in such a good mood huh Paz?
You got laid didn't you?
Didn't you?
Who is the little tramp?