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If you are reading this thread because I linked you, it's because you're the nth person to present one of the same old arguments supporting and defending online harassment/abuse. If you found it on your own, hi! I dislike abuse and harassment, surprise! So here we go:
"Can't you take a joke?/You don't understand humor!/You have no sense of humor!" Lots of things are effing hilarious. "Jokes" at the expense of another person or that cause distress or harm. What is funny to you about hurting one of your fellow human beings?
"You're so oversensitive/chill/rest/take a pill/why are you getting so upset?"
I dislike seeing other people being attacked. You should dislike it too. Why are you defending it instead?
I dislike seeing other people being attacked. You should dislike it too. Why are you defending it instead?
"I/they didn't mean any harm!"
They might not have due to naïveté, thoughtlessness, or ignorance, but harm was done. So it's time to stop, apologize, learn, and do better from here on out.
They might not have due to naïveté, thoughtlessness, or ignorance, but harm was done. So it's time to stop, apologize, learn, and do better from here on out.
"If you don't like it just keep scrolling"
That's "be quiet and let harassment happen unhindered". I won't do it and you shouldn't do it either.
That's "be quiet and let harassment happen unhindered". I won't do it and you shouldn't do it either.
It's damn uncomfortable to admit you were wrong, even to yourself. It's easier to double down and/or attack someone to justify your actions. But it doesn't put you in the right. Striving to be better earns you respect and makes you closer to the person you deserve to be.
