Using autism and cancer in comments and as a derogatory term...

[Lunalepsy]

What we needed, another Eorzean fundamentalist. Go figure!

[HarryTipper]

Don't mind me, just passing through stealing acquiring all the otter stuff.

[Makeda]

That...

...really isn't true.

An expression doesn't become a thing or funny to someone unless they also find some relief in it's actual meaning - internet 'meme sayings' have their value because they don't just 'trigger a lol', the people repeating them also somewhat agree with the underlying statement's meaning, intent, and/or tone - that is in fact what triggers that lol...

It's basically the same as 'racist jokes'... nobody actually says a racist joke unless they actually agree with it... and they then just use 'it's just a joke' as cover. It gives them an 'approved way out' of being called on their own intentions by others also 'in on the intent'... (the same note applies to sexist jokes and so on).

Except many do, even when they don't agree with them. I really don't know where you're going with this. How the stereotypes come into existence is one thing, but once they do, people make jokes about them whether they agree with them or not.

This is no different. People are using these words because they're popular to use.

No... actually, they don't. People who make racist jokes, are revealing a nasty truth about themselves.

They cry joke to self-deny, but they still perpetuate the harm and the beliefs underlying that so-called humor.

Things such as statements of character proposed as humor are just not funny to people unless they believe in them to some degree.

[DumdogsWorld]

<Otterless post>

Where are the otters?

[AnnaRosa]

I think you will find there are laws in many countries that disagree with you. I can only speak from my knowledge of European countries but in specifically the UK, derogatory expressions toward someone's colour, race, disability, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, gender or sexual orientation is forbidden.

Autism falls under the above criteria.

This I believe is not the case in the US?

Hence one of many reasons we have different data centers and should probably extend to forums, otherwise we will have divisive threads.

Which is a shame, because a global community has so many benefits.

Yes and you have even one Agency at Europe level which protect any citizen with a disability residing in Europe from harassment they follow the CRPD which if is broke in Europe grounds you can action from any European country.

If you are a disabled person (due to condition or illness) and if someone is pestering you in real life with harassment comments you can action the CRPD and make the law system act no matter which country you reside no matter which social/profession status the harasser has.

CRPD doesn't make distinctions doesn't protect untouchables by this I mean could be even a police officer the harasser will face trial anyway won't have his a** saved.

[Joven]

Yes and you have even one Agency at Europe level which protect any citizen with a disability residing in Europe from harassment they follow the CRPD which if is broke in Europe grounds you can action in any European country.

None of this is about harassment at all though. It's about overhearing a third-party conversation using "cancer" as a metaphor for someone's DPS performance, something that is commonly done, and being "displeased". Nobody was being harassed for having cancer or autism.

[ScarboroughFairy]

None of this is about harassment at all though. It's about overhearing a third-party conversation using "cancer" as a metaphor for someone's DPS performance, something that is commonly done, and being "displeased". Nobody was being harassed for having cancer or autism.

*Crabs or otters

This whole thread really does need to make like a softshell and get its face cut off, tho.

[AnnaRosa]

None of this is about harassment at all though. It's about overhearing a third-party conversation using "cancer" as a metaphor for someone's DPS performance, something that is commonly done, and being "displeased". Nobody was being harassed for having cancer or autism.

Of course I was simply answering a post from other user and as I mentioned in my post I talk about REAL LIFE situations not virtual world because in virtual world anyone can make any comments they please without filter after all even or even if they aren't legit.

I am so busted!

May I mention even if this was taken down, some people have simply 'exposed' themselves to themselves even if it was my intention or not.

Because they want the safe ground of the internet the monitor protection to continue with their old obnoxious jokes let them be if they feel heros doing so let them be.

The heros of the sad jokes.

[Enla]

On a more serious note, seeing as this thread is whiplashing between two extremes, I'm of the opinion that banning so called offensive language is frankly silly. And I say that as someone who is disabled and who has talked somewhat candidly of the struggles I've faced on these boards in the past. I personally don't care if someone makes fun of my illness to me so long as there wasn't a mean spirited jab at my expense behind it. And even if there was, I'm more likely to roll my eyes and block the offender than to decry their language.

However, I do also think that if someone is legitimately uncomfortable with jokes about 'cancer'/insert condition here and asks politely that people refrain from using them in their presence, then their request should be catered to within reason.

Now within reason does not mean 'you can never say this word again and if you do you're a terrible person'. That's unrealistic and ignores decades worth of parlance across many different languages that have incorporated different avenues of suffering into their slang/insults to cope with them. (The Dutch for example use cancer as an insult A LOT, but they also have the second highest incidence of cancer deaths in Europe. So it's part typical Dutch humor, and part making the best of a bad situation in their case.) However I don't think being the courteous and refraining from using upsetting terminology in front of someone who has kindly asked you not to is too big a burden to bear. Emphasis on the 'kindly', a lot of what's happening in this thread on that side is anything /but/.

All in all it takes no effort at all to be considerate. But demanding consideration even when said person isn't present is ludicrous.

Otter tax!

[Enla]

-snip snip-

I'm generalizing. I'm addressing the point in a broader sense, which is why I didn't quote anyone. I don't need to have a direct analogue in the thread to cover my personal feelings on the matter at large.

I am also aware of the stance you have in regards to this thread. I've posted about how you're your own worst enemy in those regards not even two pages ago. You can spread awareness for your view on the matter, and I can jump in and post my own. Especially when I disagree with a lot of what I'm seeing as someone with an illness. That's the fun thing about public forums.

MOAR OTTER TAX.