Dangers of hypersensitive culture bred by social media

[weed 78,895]

omg you can't just assault women, poc, and queer people without facing repercussions :''''((( this world is too sensitive!!!!!!

[ItsTommyBitch 12,640]

First off, the video while actually really funny is totally missing the point and framing the situation inaccurately  

People becoming educated and realizing that they don't have to put up with bullshit is not a bad thing at all. Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Transphobia, etc. are all very very common in our society and our speech patterns reflect it. As people are becoming more socially progressive (especially younger people) more people are realizing that sometimes we say antiquated t hings that are really really offensive or totally not appropriate anymore the way they used to be 20 years ago.

If people wish to be respected and be thought of as decent people they shouldn't find it hard to actually idk, speak like decent people, but that's just my two cents

People have somehow learned that they don't have to respect other people and then they can get mad or upset at that person for voicing that you've made them uncomfortable. It is true that things can be taken out of context, but the point of apologizing is not to shift the blame from yourself, so things like "I can't help if you are offended" are total bullshit apologies on top of not being entirely true.

Think before you speak, realize who you are talking to, where you are, who you're with, etc. Maybe your gay friend doesn't like being called a "flaming *******" in an ironic way? Maybe your black friend doesn't like you (a white person) calling him "*****" just because you listen to rap music  

Does them telling you this make them over sensitive because "It was just a joke"? or does it make you a douchebag for not treating him with respect when its the least you can do as friends? You tell me  

I don't think holding people responsible for their words is really that untenable a position or is unfeasible in modern society, but I do think it actively benefits the social climate in a really impactful way compared to doing absolutely nothing  

As for white saviorhood and white guilt and people in social justice movements speaking FOR other groups of people they don't belong to, I can kind of see the confusion/commotion, but really I think its just holding other people accountable for their words and actions in an effort to better people around you and is mostly innocent. I don't think its always problematic. For example, when guys I'm around (which can be a hell of a lot of people in College  ) say anything super degrading or demeaning to women and they are like not kidding, should I just not care? Not say anything because I'm not a woman or there's no one here to be offended by it? "Boys will be boys?" I don't let that stand, though I know many who would. Shitty behavior is shitty behavior and I'm not interested in being friends with people who think its okay to be misogynistic racist, etc. when there aren't any women or people of color around  I don't think casual homophobia, racism, sexism, transphobia, islamophobia, etc. are funny jokes and that doesn't make me over-sensitive at all. Some people honestly like to think "Hey, if its a joke, I can't be blamed for it!" or "Jokes have no lasting effects on anyone! anyone who reacts is over-sensitive!" -- both of which are the really ****ed up behavior.

It can be problematic though. White people shouldn't necessarily be dictating who gets to say "*****" or any other words like that for example. Men don't know women's bodies better than they do, etc. Some people do take things a bit too far, but I don't think this is an inherent result OF social media, its not like the implementation of social media would inevitably lead to social justice or anything  Nothing about Tumblr itself screams "social justice warriors!" or "Feminism" just by being a blogging site. Word of mouth is powerful on the internet and people crave safe spaces where they can be themselves without worrying about the disapproval of others; if anything social media has created more safe spaces and sort of mini communities than what has existed in the past and we are catching up with that.

[Hecturr 1,937]

7 minutes ago, Rebel Heart said:

This is honestly the biggest load of crap I've ever seen. I do not know or know of a single person who thinks like this at all. This video is obviously made to make anyone who advocates for minorities look like irrational idiots. I'm sure that there are a few people like this but the only people who pay attention to them are the people who exaggerate what they say to make left wing people look bad (I use left wing as in the people who everyone cries about being "social justice warriors"). The part at the end when they're implying that left wing people have no factual or scientific evidence to support their ideas and only care about feelings is so hypocritical. It's literally the other way around. You'll show a right wing person evidence of racism being institutionalized in the USA or that rape culture is real and you can show them science about gender and sexual orientation and they'll literally shut you down with no evidence of their own and cry about how you're just an angry feminazi who hates all men and wants every white person dead.

There was this article in a local newspaper, about how parents now a days try to protect their children from everything, and that it gave them a skewed view on the world.  ( Hold on I'm going somewhere with this ). I do agree 100% that this video is an exaggeration of left wing people. However, I do think, and this is MY personal opinion, that you should be allowed to say what you want without someone shutting you down saying you're wrong.

People are allowed to have opinions, just look at how the wbc aren't getting stopped from protesting outside of funerals. I'm not saying it's right, but is it any better to tell people what they can and can't say? At the end of the day, a random person's opinion shouldn't bother you. My point about the children, is that an attitude that all are equal and everyone is good at everything will lead to mediocrity. 

My cousin is teaching at a pre-school, and she told me that things are so different today. She wasn't allowed to compliment one of her student's by calling him an artist if he made a nice paitning. The reason? Because it would ''negatively impact the feelings'' of the children who simply drew a line on a paper.

This sort of relates to my favorite part in the video I linked. The guy was just looking at the girl , and then the other guy goes on to say that he's looked on her for too long. Obviously there are FEW who would say that and react like that in real life. However, there are people who react when people are simply looking at someone. Sure it might be awkward, but it doesn't mean that you're a perv or anything.

I don't know, I feel conflicted because obviously I'm not ok with people being called a sissy or being told to man up etc. But I am annoyed at how everything can be percieved as offensive. Can i get dreads? No I can't because I'm culturally appropriating a certain culture etc. 

TLDR: cat calling, a$$ slapping, homophobia, rapeculture etc I'm not ok with. People voicing opinions, dressing a certain way or getting a certain hairstyle I'm not ok with getting **** for doing so. This turned out long and is not a personal attack on you, just wanted to voice my opinion. 

[Didymus 34,380]

17 minutes ago, Rebel Heart said:

But I don't understand why they make fun of a society that would include everyone of all different races, gender identities, sexual identities and religions. How is an all inclusive society, that yes does include white straight cis men, a bad thing that they can object too and find ridiculous? 

Because that forced inclusion is actually making people less tolerant Do you remember those Yale students harassing a professor because she defended the right of a white girl to dress up like her favorite princess (Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, an African American character) for Halloween?

Just like the video said: the right not to be offended is getting quite close to actually obstructing the rights of self-expression for non-minorities. And I don't mean that in the sense that I'll suffer because I can't use certain language or whatever, but this aura of political correctness is, some believe (as do I) actively pushing people into a very repressive environment where they have to be constantly walking on tip toe, not because they actually care about not offending anyone, but out of fear for social rejection when they openly disagree with theories that have found its way, via peer pressure, into an aura of "how can you not know/agree with that" and that's the danger right there.

[Kulture Kiari 3,433]

41 minutes ago, Chic said:

It's horrible on both sides. Now it seems people can use the idea of PC culture as an excuse to say anything they want without repercussion. Freedom of speech =/= freedom from consequence. The real pussies are the ones who talk **** about others and then can't handle it when they're dished it back with extra seasoning.

We can say pussies now without censor? 

PUSSIES, PUSSIES, PUSSIES!

OT: I agree to a certain degree. Like I try not to post the foods I eat on Facebook because I have vegan friends and they start posting stuff like "Omg, while youre enjoying yourself with your friends, that poor animal suffered a sad death." But then again, there are some topics I am, not sensitive about, but it's called having respect. Like making fun of the people that died in Orlando, 9/11, or in Concentration camps, yeah, I am against that. When people say "relax, that was just a joke" I just give them the awkney look.

[ItsTommyBitch 12,640]

22 minutes ago, Hecturr said:

There was this article in a local newspaper, about how parents now a days try to protect their children from everything, and that it gave them a skewed view on the world.  ( Hold on I'm going somewhere with this ). I do agree 100% that this video is an exaggeration of left wing people. However, I do think, and this is MY personal opinion, that you should be allowed to say what you want without someone shutting you down saying you're wrong.

People are allowed to have opinions, just look at how the wbc aren't getting stopped from protesting outside of funerals. I'm not saying it's right, but is it any better to tell people what they can and can't say? At the end of the day, a random person's opinion shouldn't bother you. My point about the children, is that an attitude that all are equal and everyone is good at everything will lead to mediocrity. 

My cousin is teaching at a pre-school, and she told me that things are so different today. She wasn't allowed to compliment one of her student's by calling him an artist if he made a nice paitning. The reason? Because it would ''negatively impact the feelings'' of the children who simply drew a line on a paper.

This sort of relates to my favorite part in the video I linked. The guy was just looking at the girl , and then the other guy goes on to say that he's looked on her for too long. Obviously there are FEW who would say that and react like that in real life. However, there are people who react when people are simply looking at someone. Sure it might be awkward, but it doesn't mean that you're a perv or anything.

I don't know, I feel conflicted because obviously I'm not ok with people being called a sissy or being told to man up etc. But I am annoyed at how everything can be percieved as offensive. Can i get dreads? No I can't because I'm culturally appropriating a certain culture etc. 

TLDR: cat calling, a$$ slapping, homophobia, rapeculture etc I'm not ok with. People voicing opinions, dressing a certain way or getting a certain hairstyle I'm not ok with getting **** for doing so. This turned out long and is not a personal attack on you, just wanted to voice my opinion. 

I think the problem is that most people conflate what you and Didymus are actually talking about with what you've described in your TL;DR. Lots of people, especially on the internet, believe that pointing out racism, homophobia, sexism, etc. in any situation is an attack on freedom of speech, an example of "PC" culture gone too far!" "Feminazi's in action!" "SJWs!" etc  Like, I'd argue that what you are arguing is more fringe than what they are. I think working towards a society with equal opportunity* is a pretty "good" thing and pointing out these things is a step in the right direction, there's nothing about freedom of speech that means that we can not evolve as a society; people are allowed to resist change or favor tradition (Traditionalist, Conservative, Reactionary, etc.) just like people are allowed to advocate for and create change (Liberalist, Progressive, Radicalist). I personally thing change is unavoidable in this case.

As with all things though you do have a choice and there may be repercussions regardless of how "innocent" that choice is. Not even all repercussions are at the hands of other people, many are totally unavoidable or innate to w.e situation it is. You can get dreads if you want, but some people might think it's problematic. At the end of the day, they don't control you though so you can do w.e if you think the pros outweigh the cons. I totally get the argument that "PC" culture and "cultural appropriation" is limiting "free expression" (really just for people with privilege at certain intersections of identity though) and I think on some level its valid, but to play devil's advocate, people in social justice movements see this as a defensive measure, not an offensive one. It's to protect people and culture and give out accurate positive representation and portrayal in the public about a group of people. Inaccurate, negative representation and portrayal of minorities (which is what is popular and the norm) can literally cause social and sometimes even legal repercussions on an institutional level that are more widespread and relatively "damaging" (from a mostly objective standpoint) than the social repercussions of individual situations. It's controversial for a good reason and for many situations (like with cultural appropriation) people see it as the only feasible way to go about doing things while protecting people. Some would just call it "positive discrimination" in many cases. As for me, I determine whether I agree with how people have weighed the pros and cons to sort of "Call out" culture on a totally case by case basis. I usually agree with assessments of cultural appropriation (like, I agree that X IS cultural appropriation) but I often disagree with what the solution is, which is common in social justice. It's really, like most things I engage with, a study in nuance and active listening and critical thinking. Is it more important that X group gets to exist without undue pressure because of negative portrayals in the media, stereotypes, social attitudes, laws, that discriminate and persecute this group of people? Yes. Is self expression important as an objective thing? Yes. Does the first condition sometimes negate the second? Unfortunately. I'm not sure whether that's right or wrong, Im just trying to explain the mindset. Did this help? 

[Rebel Heart 5,142]

1 minute ago, Hecturr said:

However, I do think, and this is MY personal opinion, that you should be allowed to say what you want without someone shutting you down saying you're wrong.

But if someone says "why is it that these men think they're women?? it's stupid. you're born a man so you are a man!!!11111" then they are allowed to get a response that tells them they're wrong. It goes both ways. Freedom of speech doesn't protect you from people criticizing what you say.

15 minutes ago, Hecturr said:

My point about the children, is that an attitude that all are equal and everyone is good at everything will lead to mediocrity. 

My cousin is teaching at a pre-school, and she told me that things are so different today. She wasn't allowed to compliment one of her student's by calling him an artist if he made a nice paitning. The reason? Because it would ''negatively impact the feelings'' of the children who simply drew a line on a paper.

I really hate that mind set. If a kid does well, tell them they did well. I agree it does lead to mediocrity.

15 minutes ago, Hecturr said:

I don't know, I feel conflicted because obviously I'm not ok with people being called a sissy or being told to man up etc. But I am annoyed at how everything can be percieved as offensive. Can i get dreads? No I can't because I'm culturally appropriating a certain culture etc. 

You should be able to say whatever you want but that also means that you are able to get whatever response you deserve. I mean I don't think it's ok for a white person to have dread locks but I don't think it's right to tell you that you cannot do it and you should be forced to remove them. And it's not necessarily always about offensive either. Being white and having dread locks isn't offensive in principle but when you combine having dreads with white privilege etc is does become offensive. These things often have a lot of layers to them

[ryanripley 86,575]

yes, people like this do exist and they used to be my group of friends but then tumblr happened and they became super PC (and these were people who's sense of humour never used to be PC at all), however i didn't so they pretty much said i was a disgusting cis white male and blocked me from their lives

so yeah,  u political correctness, this is ARTPOP, free urselves!!

[Sara 1,144]

I'm being careful not to paint with broad brushes, but I know some people who complain about sensitivity and PC really just want is the ability to say racist or hateful things without consequence.

I line I hear spoken often is something like "Look, I'm just being honest, I don't hide my thoughts and feelings!"

My response is that I don't hide my thoughts and feelings either, it's just that I don't have angry or hateful thoughts and feelings to begin with!  (most of the time.) 

Is it really so much of an effort to be kind and considerate of others?  If it is, maybe you have issues?

[Rebel Heart 5,142]

53 minutes ago, Didymus said:

Because that forced inclusion is actually making people less tolerant Do you remember those Yale students harassing a professor because she defended the right of a white girl to dress up like her favorite princess (Tiona from The Princess and the Frog, an African American character) for Halloween?

I don't think I explained myself correctly. I don't agree with any type of 'forced inclusion'. Think and say what you want. I have no problem with that. I never heard of that but as long as she wasn't doing black face I don't see the problem (but I have no info on this story so I'll have to get back to you on that one).

53 minutes ago, Didymus said:

Just like the video said: the right not to be offended is getting quite close to actually obstructing the rights of self-expression for non-minorities. And I don't mean that in the sense that I'll suffer because I can't use certain language or whatever, but this aura of political correctness is, some believe (as do I) actively pushing people into a very repressive environment where they have to be constantly walking on tip toe, not because they actually care about not offending anyone, but out of fear for social rejection when they openly disagree with theories that have found its way, via peer pressure, into an aura of "how can you not know/agree with that" and that's the danger right there.

I 100% agree with this. No one should be "PC" (I guess I'll call it that for lack of a better term) because they feel they need too, they should because they want to to avoid hurting others. I think if you do something offensive be prepared to be told so and why it's wrong and you can either take it or leave it. You don't have to say or think a certain way at all.

 

[Lord Temptation 11,209]

For time immemorial men have used words as weapons.

But now we live in an age where the transmission of feelings and ideas - to an infinite current and future audience - occurs as fast as the speed of light.

Social media is democracy. It gives power back to the individual. Social media gives all of us a voice. This is remarkable for once upon a time only the voice of the privileged few mattered.

Now everyone's voice can be heard. Or sought. Especially those that have primarily defined themselves as underprivileged, neglected, or not a part of the majority. Rich or poor, young or old, all of us can be the drop that unleashes a wave. Or we can be trolls. Or we can be victims.

The truth is that we've always viewed ourselves as some kind of victim. Social media lets us express it.

[Sara 1,144]

One of the strongest PC and social sensitivity movements I've ever lived through in my life was right after George Bush took us to war in Iraq.  That was a time you DARE not speak your opinion about the war or you were a traitor to the nation and you hated our troops!  

Being PC often means you can't say certain words any more, but this was a time you couldn't even say the word "French"!  Remember "Freedom Fries" and "Freedom Toast"???  

The Dixie Chicks voiced their opinions and it ruined their careers. 

So extremes of social sensitivity can from liberals OR conservatives.  

It's just that when it comes from conservatives it comes wielding a gun and flanked by a flag and a bible, and it feels more threatening to me. 

[Hecturr 1,937]

25 minutes ago, Rebel Heart said:

But if someone says "why is it that these men think they're women?? it's stupid. you're born a man so you are a man!!!11111" then they are allowed to get a response that tells them they're wrong. It goes both ways. Freedom of speech doesn't protect you from people criticizing what you say.

I really hate that mind set. If a kid does well, tell them they did well. I agree it does lead to mediocrity.

You should be able to say whatever you want but that also means that you are able to get whatever response you deserve. I mean I don't think it's ok for a white person to have dread locks but I don't think it's right to tell you that you cannot do it and you should be forced to remove them. And it's not necessarily always about offensive either. Being white and having dread locks isn't offensive in principle but when you combine having dreads with white privilege etc is does become offensive. These things often have a lot of layers to them

I agree, it doesn't protect you from people criticizing what you say. What I'm saying is that the mindset that people shouldn't be allowed to voice their opinions to save the feelings of others, isn't any better than them saying it. Because you're limiting free speech. If you say something you're obviously responsible for it and should be able to stand for your opinions. 

As I said I agree with you on that, if you say something you should be able to stand for it. See, you're not ok with that, and it's your opinion. That's my point, you're allowed to voice that opinion, just as much as I'm allowed to get dreads. In regards to getting whatever response you deserve, I guess you're right. Each person make up their own minds ( or should do so at least ) and will voice their opinion of they feel like it. Which I again, am totally fine with. If my feelings get hurt because they say it doesn't look good, oh well life goes on. If they scream in my face that I'm a bigot who appropriates a certain culture, well, I find that a bit extreme, but I'm fine with that too. At the end of the day a stranger's opinion doesn't matter to me.

 

On one hand I think what I do about my hair is none of anyone's business. On the other hand, people who find it offensive are in the same boat as gay men who are tired of women thinking of them as an accessory and being trendy, or black people who are upset at white people for getting in on the big lips and butt trend after saying that's ugly for so long etc. They're allowed to voice their opinion, I just think people shouldn't care so much what others say and do. Again, I'm talking about people being overly sensitive about things like getting dreads, lip fillers, butt implants etc. Are you allowed to be upset about that and voice your opinion no matter what that migh be? yes. Do I think there are other things you should be more upset about like when your friends make sexist remarks compared to if you see a white man with dreads or a white woman with big lips and a bigg a$$ ? yes.

[ItsTommyBitch 12,640]

12 minutes ago, Lord Temptation said:

For time immemorial men have used words as weapons.

But now we live in an age where the transmission of feelings and ideas - to an infinite current and future audience - occurs as fast as the speed of light.

Social media is democracy. It gives power back to the individual. Social media gives all of us a voice. This is remarkable for once upon a time only the voice of the privileged few mattered.

Now everyone's voice can be heard. Or sought. Especially those that have primarily defined themselves as underprivileged, neglected, or not a part of the majority. Rich or poor, young or old, all of us can be the drop that unleashes a wave. Or we can be trolls. Or we can be victims.

The truth is that we've always viewed ourselves as some kind of victim. Social media lets us express it.

How poetic

This is what people usually refer to when they say that "Equality can feel like Oppression to those who have always stood to gain from Inequality" -- there have always been more voices in the world, but only recently have we been able to on a massive scale hear and understand those voices and it's shown just how unequal the world is.

The whole "History is written by the winners" mentality is at play here as well. People hear the stories of straight white cis men more than any other for a reason.

[MJHolland 12,725]

1 hour ago, Leo said:

This is bull. Bull on bull on bull.

The thing is, people like to exaggerate the idea of people being "too sensitive". People joke and laugh at the idea of non-binary people, mock the concept of privilege and make such a big deal about the fact that people can be offended when you say ignorant bullsh!t. 

The video is nonsense, whatever, it's tongue in cheek, but people like to say "Gosh, these kids nowadays, everything offends them!", when in reality, most people are pretty laid back, but don't be surprised when someone calls someone else out for saying something out of line.

*gets butt hurt and obviously offended defending the younger generation for being called too sensitive*

Oh the irony is sweet this morning on Gaga Daily. 

Yes. Young people are WAY too sensitive.