Are you too scared to post what you really think?

Bumface Why re you afraid?

Galaxy

But the tabloid cliches are no worse than the Guardian ones .

No, they aren’t - that’s true, although tabloids use them more. It’s lazy cliches in general that I dislike, rather than where they come from. It’s the way they prevent real discussion that I find frustrating.

Agree 100% GSM.

On another thread someone posted that there were "schoolyard bullies" on Gransnet. At least with bullies you can see them and face them out.

Too many cowardly snitches running to teacher because they are too weak to engage in a robust debate.

Unfortunately some posters have their fingers poised above the report button, though there hasn’t been so much of that of late.

Primrose53, GSM, Skydancer

I think it's unfortunate you feel you cannot say what you want to for fear of being banned.

Our politics don't align mostly, but I do appreciate posts where people don't mince their words - which is something I frequently do because, I am also afraid of being banned so I dither about trying to be 'fair' when I'd much rather say what I really think.

There appears to be a 'received' set of rules, a kind of political-correctness where some things are just-not-said. I don't mean extremist opinions, but those where you want to delve deeper into the accepted narrative, and debate those matters / issues, that are-just-not-to-be-talked-of.

... but you know in advance, that if you do it is likely you will get a label attached to you.

I remember once posting as a Remainer, but arguing from the point of view of a Brexiter - saying that although I didn't agree with Brexit, I could see why some voted for it, and proceeded to outline the reasons. I was jumped on immediately by a poster who no longer posts - or maybe does, but under a different name, who was incensed that I didn't stick to the narrative'. Scathingly.

Perhaps some things, as long as they don't break the rules, should be up for discussion an maybe we'd understand each other better if they were.

Referring to mumsnet is another 'whatabout'

"Are you too scared to post what you really think?"

Yes, I am afraid, very afraid. I have just deleted what I really think.

But the tabloid cliches are no worse than the Guardian ones .

I don't want to control language, but I really despair at tabloid cliches being used to sum up complex thoughts, and back off threads where they are in most posts. 'Remoaners', 'fall off a cliff', 'on its knees' - there are so many, and they go back and forth with none of the detail in the topic being discussed.

It's not that I'm scared to post, but there is no point in joining in, as I'd be constantly asking 'what does 'sheeple' mean?', or 'what will the impact on x be if the economy falls off a cliff' - is that better than it being on its knees?'. It's impossible to discuss anything like that, and I would sound pompous, so I just go and do something else instead - it's better for my blood pressure .

I'm probably nore forthright face-to-face than on here. I don't like being the first to stick my head above the parapet, but if someone is getting a lot of hassle for expressing what are broadly my views, then I'll add my tuppence hap'worth.

Casdon

I think it depends on the thread topics. I’m always forthright on news and politics threads, there are a lot of people with strong views on them and you have to be prepared to stand your ground - but that’s just the nature of the beast, in conversation as well as online, it’s not personal but about the topic being discussed. I can understand the more sensitive find them challenging though because if you aren’t well informed you get a tough ride (although nothing like as tough as you’d get on Mumsnet).
I steer clear of estrangement, gender and royal threads, which seem to be where there is most personal conflict, and it’s a lot less stressful not to get involved at all.

I echo your sentiments.

There is IMO nothing wrong with being forthright on the N&P topics. If you watch similar debates on TV, participants can be quite direct and outspoken.

As you say, it's the nature of the beast.

Social media can be a bit like standing up in Hyde Park on a soapbox (do they still do this?) where the crowd assembles around you. Some will listen and applaud - others will heckle and taunt. I think, especially on the N&P threads, you have to be prepared for both possibilities.

Galaxy
Not only that: it’s makes the discussion bland and boring.
You only have to look at the news and politics threads to see how little traffic they attract.

No I am not scared.
I think generally the policing of speech stops people thinking. Most issues are incredibly complex and the way people make sense of them is through language, often they will get that wrong. We learn through making mistakes. The dangers of constantly being policed or even worse policing your own language makes it very difficult for people to think. I am absolutely terrified of people who try to control language.

If you think Gransnet is bad you should try Mumsnet. The most trivial of comments or even a word will find you on the ducking stool in a flash.

Shinamae

I love GB news and often get jumped upon from a great height by other posters, but I couldn’t care less…😜

And they are probably people who have never watched it! 😝I give anything a chance before arriving at a decision.

I love GB news and often get jumped upon from a great height by other posters, but I couldn’t care less…😜

No

but then I don't post very often. I was once accused of being the 'internet police' over a poster who just made up problems.

No not at all.

I am generally a person who speaks their mind but I certainly watch what I say on here. Too many wet nellies.

No.

I attempted to remain polite and direct, however I know there are a large number of people who disagree on any topic, opinions vary. I'm not offended by random internet strangers.

I’m not scared, but I’ve mostly given up commenting on - or even reading - immigration threads because they are so full of misinformation and bigotry that they were taking up more headspace than something that’s just a diversionary place (for me) warrants.

Occasionally, of course, I wonder if I’m colluding by not bothering, but so far, I haven’t been concerned enough to change my mind.

halfpint1

Sometimes when I go through a thread it feels like a pack of wolves attacking the op

Yeah, like the thread just yesterday.

No, am not afraid to say what I think on a subject but try to be careful in the way I express that view.

Whitewavemark2

ferry23

"I would be scared to post an opinion that was racist, anti-semetic, homophobic, xenophobic etc, because it is against the law, and I would feel much less as a person."

That's an interesting comment Whitewavemark2. I hope I'm correct in assuming that it's maybe a bit badly worded?

It reads as if you DO have opinions that are racist, or anti semitic etc but you're scared to post them because it's illegal and you know it would show you in a bad light.

😀 what do you think?

ferry23 that’s what I thought too, it was a very badly worded comment.
And while on here will just say well done for spelling anti semitic properly, it’s amazing how many write semetic.

Sometimes when I go through a thread it feels like a pack of wolves attacking the op