Has anyone been harassed by another person just because you don't agree w/them?

Question

I got an email from someone who obviously has a vested interest in a certain cause. Just because I disagreed, (didn't insult, just disagreed), she REPORTED me, then e-mailed me to say she'd done it! That seems pretty childish to me, not to mention nasty. I disagree w/people all the time, but don't report them, unless, say, they're insulting me, openly advocating violence or discrimination, etc.

If this has happened to you, I'd appreciate some CONSTRUCTIVE suggestions on what you have done that's been most effective. I don't expect the mods to solve this problem (not YET anyway!). What happened to Free Speech???

Answer 1

Yes. Let me tell you my story as I can think of no better way to respond:

I have been reported for writing a couple of lyrics to Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy In New York" to find other fans of the song probably because I didn't 'phrase the question correctly'. Whoever reported that one was a real winner. I didn't know this was Jeopardy! I have also been reported by those I have disagreed with on one particular subject more than any other - pro-hitters. Those who recognize assault is a felony yet commit it against their own children, y'know? God forbid you should disagree with one. They have so many disgusting excuses for hitting their kids: that it "works" (so does, I hear, beating a slave to get him to do as you say, and we know from history that this escalated to flogging, cutting off limbs, and murder), that it "happened to them and they're fine" (if you were fine you wouldn't be hitting defenseless, terrified children), "that it is only done once on a clothed bottom so it doesn't hurt" (great, if it doesn't kill them physically it's alright to do so spiritually? It's alright to kill their trust?).

Anyway, =), when I have attempted to disagree with these people nicely I've been reported. When I've attempted to explain my position (worked with kids for 20 years, seen far too much of the damage it causes, even at the less 'severe' end), or try to give alternatives for "spanking" (a manipulative and sugar-coated word if ever there was one), I've been reported. Now, I don't dilly-dally around how I feel the way people calling hitting anything but 'hitting' do - I tell it like it is. If I get reported, so be it. I've responded to many questions on this topic. I will continue to do so. Yahoo, unfortunately, rarely looks at reports, they just follow them.

Never be afraid to let your voice be hard, regardless of those who not only refuse to listen but threaten your First Amendment rights. These people feel threatened because you are asking them to seek knowledge and compassion where there is only ignorance and anger. I tell those who insist that hitting children is a Biblical teaching that "spare the rod, spoil the child" came from a poem by Samuel Butler SATIRIZING Puritanism. It sickens me that lawmakers call hitting a felony unless it's done against children, in which case it is fine. Whatever people are putting YOU down for, tell them what you know about the subject and if they won't listen, try to take the high road but never give up your beliefs if you know they are right. Getting reported for disagreeing with hitting kids is the least of my problems, although it does frustrate the heck out of me. More than anything, I want to convince state and local governments to change the laws allowing such otherwise illegal behavior.

I know (most) others may not agree with my position and it is everyone's right not to. I don't report it. For those poor people victimized by abuse who come on here to tell their stories, I watch them get attacked by the pro-hitting community and told that they deserved it, that perhaps their loved ones didn't do it 'enough' to shut them up. It is absolutely sickening but the Yahoo administration isn't going to be a help to them, talking about it and being told it's wonderful they can speak up will; or giving them the number for Child Abuse hotlines will if they are still living with their abusive families. Regardless of the physical damage done, spanking is abuse. One don't have to agree, but that they should report me for my concern is insane.

1. Speak your mind.
2. Do not 'preach' to anyone (call upon your religion as proof of your information, unless you are asked to quote text exactly).
3. While you may report those who report you it will drive you up a wall. Whoever reported you and told you was in violation of real intelligence unless you said something violent or discriminatory. Their own anger will get them in the end.

Sorry for the long story, but I NEEDED to get that off my chest. Thanks. This, too, is the most convenient means I have come up with to counter such people. Best of luck to you!

Answer 2

That's why I don't allow email or im. I have, however, been reported because someone disagreed with me. It is frustrating, because I always give my honest opinions, and this should be the proper forum in which to do so. If I were you, I would let it go because it might fuel the proverbial fire even more if you retaliate in some way. People see through people like the person who is insulting you. Sorry about the mess.

Answer 3

I am not sure why you got reported, I think everyone has, at least once. The fact the person emailed you after they reported you could be a way of "showing themselves" and not just secretly sending a report and leaving it at that. Personally I find that to be honorable, if that's why, props to them. Contact Yahoo support if you think this is unjust.

When it comes to free speech, this is Yahoo, not the US, granted you may reside in the US, but Yahoo has it's own policy. We all must read it and follow the rules. This is not a "open forum" to say what you want. It's a question and answers page, meaning someone asks a question, you give a answer. For example, you can't just start a question like "I like the color green" you have to phrase it into a question "who likes the color green?"

To conclude, this is not a "free speech" site it has it's own rules that have to be followed.
Hope that helps

Answer 4

I had a guy disagree with my religion and he sent me a random email threeweeks after He posted the question just to tell me my religion was an excuse for lesbian teen goths to have an orgy.

Then he said I had a persicution issue because I atually defended myself. Not to mention he sent me one more bashing note as he blocked his email.


I wonder how these people sleep at night knowing their own ignorance

Answer 5

It is not worth it to report someone except for real issues of hate and harassment. Anything else is an unnecessary limitation on freedom of speech. The use of the word and its meaning depends on the context.

Answer 6

Unfortunately, there are plenty of annoying people out there. I have found the best thing I can do to protect myself is totally and completely ignore them. Don't even respond to their emails - it only antagonizes them further - just remind yourself of this: "This person is a simpleton - not capable of rational or critical thought...as a result, there is no way possible that I could get through to him/her."

Answer 7

It happens at least once a week to me. the people who e-mail try hard to explain their point of view to me. I do not think that people here answer like at least fifty questions a day , and cannot remember what they have posted. i just do not response back

Answer 8

Just let it go. Too many people take things too personally! It's ok to agree to disagree! oh well!

Answer 9

People have diffrent opinions they are just immature when they do that so just think of yourself as the better person.

Answer 10

sure it happens. people have pride and wan't everyone to be like them, but sometimes we can't take it and turn into little kids so we harasse.