Is an obviously disrespectful, even homophobic, answer worth a report in LGBT?

Question

I saw one in answer to a lesbian that said "You stink. Why can't you get a boyfriend?" I would have reported it, but I wonder. We tolerate much over at Religion & Spirituality because we must. Do you just thumbs down, or do you report?

I am pleased that most of you seem to respect the difference between thumbs down and reporting a violation. Now could you all go visit "Religion & Spirituality" and add a little rational thinking to that stew pot? Thanks!

Answer 1

auntb.... A while back, I signed on as a fan of yours. I enjoy reading your Qs and As, as I find you to be intelligent (at times, amazingly so), and kind (ALWAYS amazingly so). At the same time, I realized that our points of view differ (often) on some very sensitive subjects, which is why I have rarely (if ever) answered your posts. Thing is.... the choices you've made for your life seem , so obviously, to have come out of careful thought; meaning, to me, that you have chosen what is "right" for you. Therefore, there is not the faintest desire in me to try to change you, in any way. Also, I have never read anything you have written that was rude, spiteful, or intended to provoke an argument. Because of this, the last thing I would want to do is say something hurtful to you.... let alone, "fight" you. I'd rather read what you have to say, learn what I can from it, and respect our differences. (Something tells me, you would do the same for me.) Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is this: People are different.... all kinds of different. It seems that so many think the only way to handle differences is to "attack" the person(s) they disagree with; force them to do things their way - often, in the ugliest possible ways, and , for the worse possible reason (i.e. they are "right" -the other person is "wrong" - not different; but, wrong!) So, what do people do when they are attacked? Naturally, they fight back! It's turned into such a vicious circle these days..... and, more and more lives are being ruined by it. Where does it end?
Without a doubt, a post such as the one you mention in your question is unnecessary - and mean. (Being you, I'm guessing the meanness offends you most of all. You don't understand it.) But, still I see your dilemma... Should it be reported? Will it end this kind of thing, or make matters worse? (Plus, on another level, it doesn't help that "trolling" has hurt many innocent people on this site; so, reporting has gotten a really bad reputation, and turned into its own form of abuse.....sadly.) In this case, I would "thumb's down", and move on; but, that's me. It"s a personal decision, with no one "correct" approach. You go ahead, dear, and follow your heart. Whatever you do, I'll know one thing, at least. It won't be... for the wrong reasons.

Answer 2

It wouldn't be worth a report in LGBT, because the category is actually GLBT. Which, depending on context, means either Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered, or Guacamole, Lettuce, Bacon and Tomato.

The Lesbians I know would be too busy laughing their butts off to bother reporting. They know they can get a guy whenever they want, assuming that they ever do, and get hit on by trolls like the answerer every day.

I only report the seriously abusive stuff, and obvious stalkers. Wefeedall, for an instance. Thumbs down, I'm iffy on, because it gives a troll attention he doesn't deserve. On the other hand, it hides his answer so I don't have to look at it anymore.

Answer 3

I would have given that question a thumbs down, but not reported it. The person is obviously telling on themselves and I feel it would be up to the person asking the question to make that call. If the question was threatening, graphic, or advertising a service that would make that person a profit, I would flag it, but if a person wants to damage their own credibility I suppose it is their business.

I might have commented on the answer in my own. "No one is a complete waste, they can always serve as a bad example!" If the individual gets enough thumbs downs, their question is generally flagged and removed anyway, and I think it is important to allow stupidity to have it's say, if only to be able to prove that it still exists!

Answer 4

The 'thumbs down' sends the message "hey, you aren't being nice." Hopefully people learn how to be a little more tactful with such guidance. Repeat offenders get reported after a number of 'thumbs down' forewarnings.

Answer 5

I would just thumb down, I mean if she/he uses rude languages then yes report but other wise unless you feel really strong against it I would just thumb down

Answer 6

If I see a rude answer like that, I WILL thumbs down. However, I will only report it if I am SURE that it violates Community Guidelines (which is just about everything these days!).

Answer 7

for a moronic comment like that....just thumbs down. this person isn't even worth the time it takes to report them.

Answer 8

I thumbs down, but if it's really bad, I thumbs down AND report. (IE if it's something like "God hates f--s," which I just saw a moment ago.)

Answer 9

I'd think that it would be reportable, but I'd just thumbs down it.

Answer 10

People prefer fear and hate over love and acceptance. They are easier emotions to handle and it makes them feel better when they can look down on GLBT people and act like they are better because they are heterosexual and religious. If you believe in a higher power then judgment is not yours to hand out, it is the high powers.