September 25, 2010
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Deleting Comments and Racism
I was just reading an article about how some major websites are struggling on what to do with their comment sections.
Online news organizations like to open up comments under their stories so people can discuss the news. But some people are making racist comments. So the website owners are forced to delete comments, disable comments or just let the racism go. Here is the link: Link
If someone made a racist comment on your site, would you delete their comment?
Comments (97)
block and delete
I straight up don’t delete or block people from my site.
No, I would just correct the offender.
I would delete the comment. My page is no place for that. But then, most people figure that out pretty quickly upon visiting.
On my site? I’d keep it as proof of what a douchebag he/she is.
probably
Probably. But I’m black so I’d probably be like “Oh no you didn’t!”
Yes, it’s my site. Freedom of speech applies to the relationship between the individual and the state. On my blog you have no rights!
good question. There are so many ways it could go down im not entirely sure how i would handle it – i think it would be a case by case situation.
Yep block and delete their asses…
I’d adress the issue and make it clear that it is not appropriate, if it persisted, the commenter would be blocked. I would delete the comment.
I’d personally be very confused as to why they were making such comments on my site, even if it was on a political topic. The only purpose racial stereotyping serves is to close onesself off from the world. Or maybe I’m just a dirty progressive.
Nope, my new policy is Trolls Welcome. They’ll make themselves look stupid, and hopefully others will defend the other race. My only exception is if they’re attacking somebody personally.
God, I love that picture. Almost as much as that Thundercats “NIGGGGERRRRSSS!!!” picture…wish I knew where the shit that was.
Depends. If it was something that looked like it could be discussed and corrected, I might try to that instead. If it was just someone being an obvious moron, I would straight up delete it.
It depends on the situation. If its a comment or two I’ll correct someone. if there’s a full blown race war going on. Well then its time to take action. Hebrew style(I don’t know what that means) !
that depends if the commenter is a nigger.
@the_evil_tamica - LOL I agree but I would also block them too so they wont spread that crap on my page again.
Block and delete
I would delete it and then block them. I have no tolerance for racism.
Depends on the racism. Most of the time I laugh and move on.
No.
I think if someone left a racist comment on my site, I’d quickly tell them where to go and how to get there. I hate that shit, if you have no respect, then go elsewhere. I would leave it at that, and if they continued, then I would block them and delete the comment because I just don’t tolerate it.
hardly anyone comments on my site (ha ha), but it’s increasing, so maybe someday I will have to make such a choice. and the anwer is….
Yes, I would block and delete for racism and evengeneral mean nastiness. If my post is controversial I often invite “polite” discussion because I’d rather have you move on than leave a hateful comment.
Well, if you call me a nigger, then yes, you will be blocked and deleted. Which has happened once.
For me it would depend on how radical and viscious the comment was. Like so many of your other subs, if I could correct them and think it would work, I would do so. If it were viscious then I would possibly delete the comment and then explain why that particular comment was deleted…Repeat offenders would be blocked
block and delete
What’s most important is to make clear what the rules for commenting are, and then stick to them. Any kind of wishy-washiness will get both offenders and passerby equally irritated.
no. to delete it is to ignore it exists.
Hell no, I support freedom of speech. All these block and delete people are petty fascists.
Absolutely, without any hesitation. I think the problem a lot of news sites face is that it’s often those with extreme views who feel a desire to comment. They might see this as the only way of venting their opinions. I think some sites, like the BBC, have a wait period after a comment is posted. This gives the site admins time to look at the comment and decide whether it’s appropriate.
The site that has it worst though in my opinion is Youtube. Some people just make a point of posting crap in the comments and looking to start an argument.
Yes…. no hesitation. That crap is so annoying!
Hell no. They can make racist comments at me all they want. In fact, I’m in the need of new anti-Latino epithets. The old ones got boring fast.
No, but it would be the last thing that person would ever be allowed to leave at my site. I’d leave it there so others can see that jerks still exist and need to be educated. I would not let it stand if it was so crude that my family couldn’t read it. All crude, stupid remarks are deleted and blocked. This a somewhat moot point for me because I rarely write about anything that could elicit a remark that could be even mildly racist.
No. Stick and stones…..
No. I never delete comments.
Why delete it? You may need it for future reference…
lol.
You never know what you can use against people.
There is nothing no one can say that will get to me, I’ve probably called myself worse. Plus, it only shows how dumb they are. I’m waiting for the day someone comes on my blog and makes a racist comment…or better yet, in real life…I’m savoring that moment…
I’d block them, but not delete it. Save the evidency of their idiocy.
It is my personal policy not to delete or block people on my site. UNLESS I’ve talked to them about being nicer to others on my site and they continue to do it OR they’re creeping me out and giving me stalker signals. Been there done that, not going there again. I think that people expressing opinions are fine. But I don’t like it when people attack others and myself.
@thedommediaries - uh huh one of those “I’ll let this speak for itself” sort of incidences.
i onley tolk off a fear coment that i did not like but i will alway try and help ppl wend i can ppl should not jude you on your skean coler i am not racist at all
It depends. I might block the person and leave the comment for all to see so people would know in the future where the commenter is coming from. I used to see racism all over the place at Newsvine. When reported they would remove the commenter and suspend his/her account for a month for the first offense.
If it starts a discussion thread, probably not. If I get to it before anyone else responds to the comment, then probably yes.
I wouldn’t delete it. I would post a comment against their comment and leave it for all their future employers to see.
@x_Butterflies_and_Hurricanes_x - Exactly. So if the blocked person throws a shit fit about it, everyone will know exactly what was said.
I would be pissed yes it would be deleted.
i’d block the person but leave the comment for all to see. but w/e.
@grammarboy - how?
@the_evil_tamica - Same here.
@lenybobsyouruncle - Well, for a lot of contexts, I suppose that wouldn’t work because the commenter is anonymous. In such a case, I would simply leave it, but on Xanga and other places where a reply will reach the commenter, I have no problem with rebuking people.
@grammarboy - Same.
I’d delete the comments. Racism is something that shouldn’t be put up with.
I would block if they continued and delete those bad comments.
It depends.Most likely delete and block.Dont have time for ppl like that
No, I’d just point out their ignorance. But I wouldn’t have that problem since I am on friend lock and picky about who I accept.
Russia today won’t post a lot of my comments. Sometimes, I’m having issues, but sometimes not. There are a few “bloggers” who won’t post me at all. The whole reason I write is to focus and because I was under attack for awhile.
Nah, only thing I’ve deleted has been my own comments or the “buy my shoes” spam.
Yupper… been there done that.
Only racist comments? What about anti-”your religion” comments, or anti-”your politics” comments, or anti-”your lifestyle” comments, or anything rude or nasty? Discussion and discourse is okay on any topic, but people should use their brains and only leave intellgent, thoughtful and non-attacking comments, no matter whose blog it is.
I absolutely don’t understand how people can be so prejudice and racist online..are these people serious or are they trying to just get a rise out of people? Just don’t get it!
Only racists are annoyed with “racism”. Think about it.
Also, funny picture is funny.
Delete, block and possibly report comment.
Depends on the context. Sometimes racist comments only appear that way. Though I would address it head on, and decide from there. Also there is no place for that in discussions on news topics. None. What. So. Ever.
@TooComplicated2Explain - I think that’s really narrow-minded. Racism isn’t always directed at black people.
no.. i don’t care what anyone is. everyone has a right to be who they want.if they wanna be racist, they can be racist. who hasn’t occasionally said something that’s offended someone else?
Yes, I would block and delete for racism and links of london bracelets
evengeneral mean nastiness. If my post is controversial I often invite
“polite” discussion becauselinks of london jewellery
I’d rather have you move on than leave a
hateful comment.
It only makes them sound ignorant. I would probably leave it there because honestly it shames them more than myself. I can’t help being what i am. If someone makes fun of me about something i can’t even control, what’s the point in being hurt over it?
If it was only vaguely racist I would let them know that i felt it was racist and ask them to stop making such comments. If it’s blatantly obvious your ass is blocked. they’re either trolling or their actually racist and either way there’s not going to be a productive discussion to follow
i’ve only really seen racist posts twice. both on your site
I’d definitely delete and block :].
I think ignorance like most fungus grows best in darkness so I would be unlikely to delete a racist comment and more likely to direct a lot of light it’s way.
Nope. I think deleting a racist comment does not necessarily address the root cause. It will only lead people to believe that there were no racist comments posted on a site, when really they were just deleted.
Racism is a reality of the world. First we have to accept that they are happening, and then decide what we want to do about it.
My take on it.
I don’t like deleting things. I’ll keep it as a monument to their ignorance. That’s the reason I don’t delete old blog posts too. Let people be aware of just how stupid I am and was
LOL @ THE PICTURE
no. i’d get all DearRicky on their asses, ahaha. naw i’m just kidding. i wouldn’t delete or block them though.
on my photography blogspot, i get a few bad comments…none are racists, but they’re meant to attack me (as in i’m a stupid, crappy photographer). i just delete the comments and ignore those people. i don’t see the point of blocking anyone since people can find away to use a different IP address or create a bogus email address to continue harrassing me. deleting bad comments and ignoring haters seem to work anyway. i don’t think trying to correct those people will work even if you try very hard to be polite and respectful about it. some people will get it and return the favor, but for most people, they don’t care and will still attack you. they just basically want attention and create drama because they think it’s okay to get under your skin. they think they’re giving you constructive critism by saying stuff like “you’re stupid, you’re ugly,” this and that and whatever.
i think no matter what the comment is, it’s really immature on the commenter’s part to leave a racist remark or other bad comments and it’s more of a reflection on them than it has anything to do with the blog writer/author.
I have had this situation before. The person insisted on using fowl language and racist comments. I deleted the comment and sent him a message saying If you want to have a discussion that is fine, but I will not allow the racist comments. He cleaned up the comment and reposted it. It comes down to setting the rules of your site and enforcing them. Some people might not like it but that is their choice. Our choice is to either stand for what we believe in or cave for a few more viewers.
many ppl comment with no seriousness, sometimes i feel they are about busting chops pushing buttons, i comment news and before i do, i read some of the comments already made, ive noticed both good n bad comments, as soon as i perceive something idiotic i really pay no mind and skip to others more on the bright side, ppl make comments sometimes that have nothing to do with the subjects being discussed i personally dont think its worth any of my energy i dismiss, ive read comments that hit home, meaning have touch a nerve, after i get over the shock of discoveries and posibilities, i go on, even tho it lingers sometimes when it gets on a personal level. what we need to know is that even tho it hurts it can also heal, in essence anyone idiotic enough to comment negatively towards another human being, deserves no recognition, and in return should make the person hur,t empowered. for the offense will only hurt the offender in the long run. perhaps they just busting chops for their sakes, if not its one sorry soul..i would not kid around with racism there is nothing funny about it.. . if you are above you can see from your stature exactly where everyone is at.. great q?. i wouldnt delete the comments tho its scary sometimes to read whats on other folks minds, perhaps its better to erase it, as to not put anyone through the games ppl play.. but then theres freedom of speech. where can you draw the line…?..
Not, I would want others to see what a jackass that person or me is…..
1st everyone is racist to one extent or another, please don’t lie and say your not!
2nd I would only block or erase it, if I disagree with it (some racist statements
have a degree of truth to them no matter how socially inappropriate). 3rd most
black people hate niggers too (but you would have to be black to understand
this). 4th who cares a label is a label and everyone got one. The people that
are hurt by words are the same people that really deep down inside, feel what’s
being said is true.
@the_evil_tamica - haha, that’s exactly how I see it.
I don’t believe in “deleting evidence,” I guess. If someone makes a direct comment about me, I feel weak deleting it (no idea why). If they’re just trollin’, maybe I’d delete it. I don’t know.
@obamawatch - I love your picture.
@shiea - I know. It was a joke. It’s a stereotype that black women go “Oh no you didn’t!” when someone does something they don’t approve of.
nope let them say what they want
freeom of speech! and im black
I would probably hire some trolls to attack said person
To most pharmacists and physicians: you KNOW you’re below avg in intell & looks, so stop the lying and pretension online and/ in person. You KNOW YOU’RE NOT AS GOOD LOOKING OR AS SMART AS SOMEBODY AND YOU KNOW YOU’RE READING EVERYTHING ONE POSTS ABOUT YOU ONLINE. People are being civil that’s why they point out the truth about you. Sanrevelle, you’re simply a dumb slut who thinks your lies online can be applied to someone who is way better than you are. Society continues to do the wrong things by assisting lowclass hos that are below avg in intel and looks. Those who are better are the ones who should be provided with the tools they need to succeed, not get cheated and lied about. That’s how civilization will come to an end quicker as the ones that are truly good, intelligent and good looking are weeded out. One doesn’t post things on the internet to attract anybody so idiots need to learn how to reason better and think intelligently rather than allowing their brains to function at the elementary level. One doesn’t care who you want to be with as long as you know how to act appropriately and tell the truth about that person. You KNOW YOU’RE NOT AS GOOD AS THAT PERSON, you simply don’t have the genetic makeup and there are other things that that person doesn’t need to state online. These h’s – pharmacists and physicians aren’t smart or good looking, they don’t even know how to bring quality care/diagnose/treat patients in the way that they are expected to. They are not role models, simply a bunch of kids who want to play the popular game. Will you trust your lives to them? That’s how society will be worse off as they continue to destroy the truly good and promote the fakes/bad.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=765828
if I find it offensive to my readers and myself, yes I would remove it. I don’t believe in insults going on without any actions being done.
I saw this when there were 88 comments.
Ohhh the irony)))))
No…their entitled to their opinion.
I support freedom of speech but not anything that expresses hatred or discrimination of any kind. I block, delete, and report it as inappropriate behavior. I’ve done it in the past with previous Xanga sites that I had.
I would leave it on there so people can troll their page
turnschuhe
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On another site, I delete most comments and the automatic notices of my activity so I can keep the more important material. The site owner should be in control. If they allow offensive discussions, not just material to which they object,
then people should take notice. A single complaint may be from an offender–such as asking that sites be blocked because they don’t want their children to know about war, other religions, other ideas. When I was a child The Readers Digest and it’s condensed novels opened the world to me. There were many evil things I knew nothing about. 13 years old is a good compromise.
Outright pornography, with no context or redeeming value should be dealt with by the community. And I don’t mean history that some people believe should be forgotten. If you don’t want your children to know about the evils of the world until they are 18, well. what happens if they get assigned to Abu Girab and have never had to make a complicated choice involving harm to others?
I don’t think I would delete any comments made. If the person were only commenting to be abusive and disruptive, and determined not to stop, then I would be forced to block them. Even in that case, however, I would leave the comments already made. Hatred and bigotry cannot simply be erased, and far more can be gained from leaving it as an example than from trying to pretend such things do not exist.
your site is like your house, you invite people in and if they don’t behave you kick them the fuck out
Yes!
Let people say what they will! I find it offensive when the term “white trash” is used, but used it is. Everywhere.
For some reason it is not considered as racist as “nigger”.