Can we end religious hate in Yahoo!answers?

Question

Obviously not. But cant we try? Just start by reporting all questions and answers which are clearly insulting, insensitive, vulgar and meant as a joke.
I dont really think ignorance of other religions is bad. But sweeping statements and blanket judgement calls are definitely uncalled for.
So what are the odds? If we all started reporting hate-inducing comments would we acheive something? Or are we all too blinded by our own prejudice and hate to make a constructive difference?

Maybe its because I grew up in Singapore, I dont see freedom of speech as a big deal?
But seriously, I disagree that the difference between 'personal opinion' and 'blatant insult' is arbitiary. When vulgarities and crude language comes into play, and failure to be sensitive is excercised. But I respect your opinions none the less.

Answer 1

those who spread hate actually do a good job of bringing people together
they dont realise they are doing it
so removing them isn't always such a great idea
let them stay.... let people unite against the hate
it works much better that way

Answer 2

Someone on another board also posted a question about why are offensive boards removed? Reasoning that if we all have the right of speech then we all have the right to be offended given that we all will have different beliefs & opinions.

Personally, I just ignore those questions & comments that I think are stupid & don't get involved. Especially in this Religion & Spirituality sub-category, you end up getting a lot of Christians throwing bible verses & quotes at you for being an Atheist, Agnostic, Muslim, etc..

You can go & give your 2 cents & get voted thumbs down if you want, but in the end, everyone will still stick with their own beliefs & opinions, & more people will continue to post questions & comments to offend another person's belief & opinion. It is a cycle that will never end.

Answer 3

Unfortunately, I don't think any of the above solutions will work. I have participated in religious forums all over the net and was at one time working as a sys_admin Host for MSN Chat Service in the Religion area.

No matter how much surveillance is put into place or how much the area is mediated, there will always be contention in religious chats, boards, blogs, or anything else you can think of. The only solution is close this area down and allow such questions to fall into the general question category where they are diluted. This causes less contention and gives less specific focus to the haters.

I was informed via email that Yahoo is already considering shutting down the R&S area as it is the largest generator of complaints and takes the most amount of time to mediate.

Answer 4

Some people don't think any language is crude. Some think it is funny to be insulting. Some people see nothing wrong with calling names. It's all a joke to some people as well. (I am sure you've noticed the silly "questions" some people ask in a misguided attempt to be humorous.)

I like your idea, though.
It would be cool if everyone would try to be respectful and would ask genuine questions rather than ludicrous ones.

Thanks for trying to help us get on the right track.

Answer 5

You will never erase hatred based on religion. Your suggestion would merely censor the forum into dull sameness; those who were left would be afraid to say what they really thought for fear of being reported. No, a thought police is not what the forum needs. Many people see hate where none exists, because of personal bias. What chaos would ensue from this practice I would rather not experience. Enforced censorship is not the answer, especially since it is imperfectly applied here. People just need to take responsibility for what they say and think on a personal level and not whitewash their world to keep it from offending them.

Answer 6

"Hate" is an operative word...
What one considers 'hate', another considers to be "Freedom of Expression".

Who defines the difference?
Who determines which is crossing that line?

I think in the couple of years that I've been here, I've only reported 2 people ~ and they were extremely prejudiced/ignorant/insulting...
And while I admitt, it would be nice if people had consideration/respect for one another, I have a hard time believing that it can be accomplished with many people's attitudes today.

God bless.

Answer 7

relies upon if this is provided in a smart and nicely written way, however while an author makes use of a "god did it" type cop out to remedy the subject concerns he's created i discover it truly unfulfilling, and a particularly ineffective literary gadget. this is like the adimantium bullets that have been interior the hot Wolverine action picture. the excellent ingredient the writers would desire to arise with exchange right into a magic bullet? truly?

Answer 8

If microbioguy74 is correct (and he seems to have the experience to make his points), then the more reporting that is done on R&S, the quicker R&S is going to be closed down.

The best plan would be to develop our sense of humor a bit more, be less sensitive, and ignore the offensive stuff.

Answer 9

Will our minds be open if we do this? We have to be able to see both sides to have the ability to discern.

I believe that there are many who are led by faith blindly and this does create prejudice.

Religious hate is called persecution. Sometimes, this only fuels christians more.

I have to say 'No' it won't end it. It could make things worse.

Answer 10

All are entitled to opinions. If you find said opinions vulgar or distasteful, then ignore them and move on. Reporting would just feed the fire.