When some members of a community, attack and pile on against a black woman member for being too outspoken, especially about race, it is a bad look. If any of those members further express the view that silencing said black woman in such a disrespectful manner is justified in order to unify behind a controversial white male candidate in one state, it would again be a bad look. When she withdrew her story that drew attention to specific examples of personal attacks against her, after again receiving repetitive personal criticism for sharing her views too frequently or focusing too much on issues of importance to her like race, it is also a bad look. When she decides to stop posting about social issues here due to the commentary, it is furthermore a bad look.
And, if that’s you, then no matter how much you believe she’s hurting this community, you’re hurting it far worse. So, shame on you!
It reminds me of another community led by white men that targeted a black woman (and other women). They killed 25 innocent people.
So yes, if you recognize yourself above, then I am publicly shaming you, Daily Kos commenters who participated in these attacks, and yes, I am publicly comparing your actions to a racist witch hunt. Shame on you!
If you have any complaints about my accusation, bring it on. I couldn’t care less. This is all my view, and mine alone.
If you really are a bystander, then stay out of it unless you have something positive and constructive to say that will help the individual return to posting. If you really are upset about something that I’ve said here or want to try to impress me somehow—extremely unlikely—, maybe consider refraining if it’s not particularly helpful. If you want to give me advice on what or how to write, then don’t bother since I’m old and I don’t care. If you insist on using the opportunity I am providing you now to change the subject, then just don’t. This is important and needs to be faced publicly.
If you want to try to justify your actions, let me finish first.
Ad hominem attacks are used when someone is too stupid, weak, cowardly and cruel to make a proper argument about the issue at hand. That’s what she complained about on this site, and that’s what she got more of ‘in spades’ in the comments on her complaint. So, for those who did that repeatedly and for those who stood by and watched silently, shame on you!
Some folks here have made it plain that they do not want to have so much discussion of race here. They apparently subscribe to and sometimes actively promote the bald-faced lie and right wing talking point that racism is over and no longer needs discussion. If you honestly believe that, then you are a racist idiot and shame on you too!
Some folks here would apply a Machiavellian filter to uncomfortable truths about racism and sexism among our candidates or our members solely in order to win elections. If that’s you, then you are doing a disservice to both our site and our party.
Some small tent Democrats would silence discussion of climate, silence trans activism, silence BLM and silence women in order to try to win the votes of white working men by only discussing gas prices. That’s not my party, it’s counterproductive, and it’s not a winning strategy. If you are only interested in attracting votes of working-class white males and are willing to mimic right wing sexism or racism or other bad policies to win, then shame on you also! We won’t elect more and better Democrats by becoming Republican-lite.
Someone here even had the nerve to call those who do support her a “claque”. (I had to look that one up). The first meaning is ‘a self-serving flatterer or sycophant’, implying that her supporters only do so falsely to seek personal benefit. The second meaning is the original (from French): ‘a group of people hired to clap in the audience to make a performance seem more popular’. (I actually got paid to do that once in Japan, although the show was so bad I didn’t clap). For those of you who might not pay attention, the lady in question is currently trying to raise money for rent. Exactly how is she paying her supporters here? This is beyond stupid and insulting. It’s cruel. Shame on you!
Some, I believe, may note that her writing is popular enough to distract attention away from the articles they write or support. If that’s you, you may be interested to learn that the Internet allows many people to look up whatever they’re interested in, but nobody appointed you gatekeeper of what’s popular. Disagree? Take it up with Al Gore.
A few paranoid individuals may believe that any disagreement here must be the result of Russian troll farms. Yeah, maybe, but I honestly doubt that they either know how to cook Haitian food or will write about flamingos on his site tomorrow.
And to folks who believe that I’m being mean or “shutting down dialogue” by calling racists racist, I don’t care. America desperately needs to keep talking about race until folks who promote racist Trump-supported conspiracy theories here recognize that something may be seriously wrong with their thinking on such issues.
And to anyone who thinks that I am an unpleasant, friendless person with anger issues, you’re actually correct. Congratulations. But I still don’t care.
Comment below. It’s unlikely that I’ll respond, because I don’t care what excuses any of those I’ve shamed will come up with. Thanks.
Oh, and since my mentor on this site many years ago told me that I should always include a call to action, here goes. If you’re sincerely ashamed—which I doubt—, then you already know who I’m talking about. Don’t bother writing any BS comment below. Apologize to her. And maybe consider PayPal-ing her some rent money.
For the rest of you, have a nice day!
